Media News Daily: Top Stories for 12/16/2025

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.

Trump Sues BBC for $10 Billion Over Jan. 6 Documentary Edit

President Donald Trump has filed a $10 billion lawsuit against the BBC, alleging defamation and deceptive trade practices. The suit, filed in Florida, claims the BBC intentionally misrepresented his January 6, 2021, speech by splicing together quotes in its documentary Trump: A Second Chance?, aired just before the 2024 U.S. presidential election. The edit, which omitted Trump’s call for peaceful protest, was labeled “malicious” and a deliberate attempt to influence the election. While the BBC previously apologized, it denied defamation, calling the error an editorial misjudgment. Legal experts note challenges in pursuing the case in U.S. courts since the documentary aired primarily outside the U.S. Read More (Associated Press Rating)

NewsNation Hires Katie Pavlich for Prime Time Show

NewsNation has tapped conservative commentator Katie Pavlich to anchor a new prime-time political show beginning in 2026. Pavlich, a former Fox News contributor and Townhall.com editor, will replace Ashleigh Banfield in the 10 p.m. slot. Her show will focus on free speech, immigration, culture, and other major political issues, promising in-depth interviews and panel debates. NewsNation aims to expand its political programming with what it describes as fact-based journalism and diverse perspectives. Banfield will continue with the network, heading its true crime digital platform. Read More (The Hill Rating)

Judge Rejects Sarah Palin’s Bid for New Libel Trial Against The New York Times

A federal judge has denied Sarah Palin’s request for a new libel trial against The New York Times and refused to recuse himself from the case. Palin had sued over a 2017 editorial linking her PAC to political violence, which the paper later corrected. A jury previously found the Times did not act with actual malice. Judge Jed S. Rakoff defended his impartiality and noted he had often ruled in Palin’s favor during proceedings. The Times welcomed the ruling, affirming the jury’s original decision. Read More (Associated Press Rating)