This page hosts daily news stories about the media, social media, and journalism industry. Get the latest Hirings and Firings, Media Transactions, Controversies, and more.
Gannett Halts Publication of Diversity Data Following Trump Executive Order
Gannett, the largest newspaper chain in the U.S., announced it will stop publishing workforce demographic and diversity data, citing President Trump’s January executive order banning DEI initiatives in federal agencies and discouraging them in the private sector. In a town hall meeting, the company said it is “adapting to the evolving regulatory environment.” Gannett has removed references to “diversity” from its corporate website and replaced the “Inclusion” section with a “Culture” page. From 2020 to 2023, the company had issued annual Inclusion Reports, showing increased diversity in hiring. Despite the rollback, Gannett states it remains committed to an “ethical business model” that respects all employees. Read More (Nieman Lab Rating)
White House Confirms Policy to Ignore Reporters Using Gender Pronouns in Email Signatures
The Trump administration has formalized a policy of not responding to reporters whose emails include gender pronouns in their signatures. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the rule to The New York Times, while spokesperson Harrison Fields affirmed it to Axios. The policy adds to a pattern of media restrictions, including barring reporters and reshuffling access within press institutions. It follows a January order banning federal employees from using gender pronouns in official communications. The move has drawn criticism as another step targeting LGBTQ+ rights and press freedoms. Read More (Axios Rating)
Study Finds Low Public Interest in AI Chatbots for News
A new study by Poynter and the University of Minnesota reveals that nearly half (49%) of Americans are not interested in using AI chatbots to access news, and 39% would only consider it if human editors verify the information. The survey of 1,128 adults, presented at the Poynter/AP Summit on AI, Ethics, and Journalism, found broad skepticism about the role of AI in journalism. Sixty-six percent believe news organizations already use AI to write stories at least occasionally, and 70% say it’s important to disclose AI use in reporting processes. Read More (Nieman Lab Rating)
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