This page hosts daily news stories about the media, social media, and the journalism industry. Get the latest Hirings and Firings, Media Transactions, Controversies, and more.
Newsmax Settles Dominion Defamation Lawsuit for $67 Million
Newsmax will pay $67 million to settle a defamation lawsuit brought by Dominion Voting Systems, ending one of the last major legal battles over false election claims aired after the 2020 presidential race. The lawsuit accused Newsmax of amplifying conspiracy theories from figures like Sidney Powell and Mike Lindell, who falsely alleged Dominion’s voting machines were manipulated to rig the election. The settlement, disclosed in an Aug. 15 SEC filing, includes a $27 million upfront payment, with the remainder due by January 2027. The trial had been set for October. This follows Dominion’s $787 million settlement with Fox News in a similar case. (Read More) (NPR Rating)
MSNBC Rebrands to ‘MS NOW’ Amid Comcast Spin-Off
MSNBC will rebrand as “MS NOW” following its spin-off from NBCUniversal and incorporation into a new Comcast-owned entity called Versant. The rebranding aims to establish an independent news identity, with the acronym standing for “my source, news, opinion and world.” The move will sever MSNBC’s ties to NBC News and its iconic peacock logo. As part of the transition, the network will relocate from NBC’s Rockefeller Plaza to a new Manhattan office and build a standalone news operation. Anchors like Rachel Maddow and Joe Scarborough will remain. Versant will also include cable properties like USA Network and CNBC, as Comcast seeks to offload assets burdened by the decline of traditional pay TV. (Read More) (Los Angeles Times Rating)
ESPN Cancels Spike Lee’s Kaepernick Docuseries
ESPN has scrapped a high-profile seven-part docuseries on Colin Kaepernick, co-produced by Spike Lee and Jemele Hill, citing “creative differences.” The documentary, in development since 2020, was set to explore Kaepernick’s protests and broader themes of racial justice, with critiques of conservative figures and the NFL. Tensions reportedly existed between ESPN, Lee, and Kaepernick over the focus of the series. The cancellation comes weeks after ESPN secured a deal with the NFL, giving the league a 10% stake in the network, raising speculation about potential conflicts of interest. Spike Lee confirmed the cancellation but declined further comment due to a nondisclosure agreement. ESPN may allow the project to be shopped elsewhere. (Read More) (Poynter Rating)
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