Media News Daily: Top Stories for 12/12/2025

Arkansas Becomes First State to Cut Ties with PBS

The Arkansas Educational Television Commission has voted to end its decades-long affiliation with PBS, effective July 1, 2026. The decision marks the first time a state has formally severed ties with the broadcaster known for programs like “Sesame Street” and “Antiques Roadshow.” The move comes amid financial concerns, including $2.5 million in annual PBS dues and the loss of equivalent federal funding after Congress defunded the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Arkansas PBS will rebrand as “Arkansas TV” and focus more on local content. PBS expressed disappointment, calling the decision a loss for viewers. Read More (Yahoo News Rating)

Caren Bohan Departs as Editor-in-Chief of USA Today Amid Cost-Cutting

Caren Bohan is stepping down as editor-in-chief of USA Today after just over a year in the role, amid ongoing financial challenges at USA Today Co., which recently announced $100 million in cuts. Michael McCarter will serve as interim editor. Bohan cited “many challenges facing our industry” in a farewell message and praised her team’s journalistic efforts. Her departure follows a series of leadership changes at the company. Read More (Associated Press Rating)

Trump Calls for CNN to Be Sold Amid Warner Bros. Merger Talks

President Donald Trump has publicly urged that CNN be sold, calling its current leadership “corrupt or incompetent,” as Warner Bros. Discovery explores a megamerger with either Netflix or Paramount. Paramount has launched a hostile bid that includes CNN, while Netflix’s bid would leave it out. Trump has praised Paramount’s David Ellison for his media reforms and expressed confidence that Ellison would revamp CNN’s editorial direction. The potential mergers raise major antitrust concerns and are drawing scrutiny from regulators. Read More (The Hill Rating)