Media News Daily: Top Stories for 01/15/2026

FBI Raids Washington Post Reporter’s Home in Leak Probe

Federal agents raided the home of Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson on Wednesday in connection with a leak investigation involving Pentagon contractor Aurelio Perez-Lugones, who is accused of mishandling classified materials. The FBI seized Natanson’s phone and smartwatch, prompting sharp backlash from press freedom groups. The Post condemned the action as “highly unusual and aggressive,” while critics warned it could chill investigative journalism. Legal experts and press advocates called for transparency from the Justice Department, citing the severe implications of searching a journalist’s private residence. Natanson, who reports on the federal workforce, has covered internal Trump administration developments extensively. (Read More) (News Facts Network Rating)

Survey: Britons Favor Human Journalism, Distrust AI in News

A UK-wide survey commissioned by Newsworks reveals that 84% of Britons believe human editorial judgment is more vital due to AI’s growing influence. Most respondents fear AI’s role in spreading misinformation and reducing critical thinking. Although mainstream UK news outlets largely avoid AI-generated content, hundreds of fake AI press releases have slipped through editorial checks. Outlets like Reach and Newsquest use AI for content rewriting and local reporting. The public overwhelmingly prefers trained journalists over influencers (86%) and values investigative reporting (90%). The survey also found 76% believe advertisers should support independent journalism. (Read More) (Press Gazette Rating)

Stars and Stripes Job Applicants Asked to Back Trump Policies

Job applicants to Stars and Stripes, the U.S. military newspaper, are reportedly being asked how they would support the administration’s policy goals, raising alarm about threats to the outlet’s editorial independence. Although funded partly by the Pentagon, Congress has mandated the publication’s autonomy. The question has stirred concern among current staff and media experts who view it as a politicization of a historically independent newsroom. (Read More) (Editor & Publisher Rating)