Media News Daily: Top Stories for 10/29/2025

NBC News Launches Ad Campaign to Rebuild Public Trust

NBC News has unveiled a new TV ad campaign aimed at countering declining trust in mainstream media. The 60-second commercial, launched Monday, emphasizes “facts,” “clarity,” and “calm,” featuring Americans expressing skepticism about modern news coverage. NBC Universal News Group Chairman Cesar Conde noted the campaign reflects Americans’ demand for “civil discourse and trustworthy reporting.” The campaign appears to be part of a broader effort to reaffirm the network’s journalistic values amid widespread media distrust. Read More (MediaPost Rating)

Scripps Sells WRTV Indianapolis to Circle City Broadcasting for $83 Million

The E. W. Scripps Company announced it will sell WRTV (ABC affiliate, Channel 6) in Indianapolis to Circle City Broadcasting for $83 million. The deal, pending FCC approval, would give Circle City a triopoly in the market alongside WISH (CW) and WNDY (independent). The sale is part of Scripps’ broader strategy to reduce debt, following the recent $40 million sale of a Florida station. Scripps has been restructuring its TV holdings amid changing FCC ownership policies and will report Q3 earnings in early November. Read More (The Desk Rating)

Anthropic’s AI Policy Stance Sparks Clash with Trump Administration

AI safety firm Anthropic, known for advocating stronger AI regulation, is at odds with the Trump administration and Silicon Valley leaders who favor a deregulated approach. A recent speech by co-founder Jack Clark emphasized caution, likening AI to dangerous “creatures” we must confront. This sparked backlash from White House AI officials and tech figures like David Sacks and Marc Andreessen, who accused Anthropic of regulatory fearmongering. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei defended the company’s stance, citing both alignment with key federal goals and support for state-level AI safety laws like California’s Senate Bill 53. Read More (The Hill Rating)