Media News Daily: Top Stories for 01/21/2026

Meta’s Threads Surpasses X in Mobile User Base

According to a new report by Similarweb, Meta’s Threads app has overtaken X (formerly Twitter) in daily active mobile users, reaching 141 million across iOS and Android platforms compared to X’s 125 million. Threads’ growth, fueled by integration with Instagram and promotion across Meta platforms, began closing the gap in July 2025 and equaled X by late September. Since its rapid launch in 2025, Threads has introduced features reminiscent of Twitter, including interest-based communities, DMs, and chat-based games. Meanwhile, X continues to lose users amid advertiser fallout following Elon Musk’s leadership. Meta reports 400 million monthly active users on Threads, compared to X’s claimed 600 million across web and mobile. (Read More) (MediaPost Rating)

One Year into Trump’s Second Term, Press Freedom Faces Ongoing Assault

Marking the first anniversary of Donald Trump’s second term, Poynter highlights an escalating pattern of hostility toward the press. Trump has banned media outlets like the AP, threatened lawsuits against major networks, removed reporters from government briefings, defunded public media, and mirrored Project 2025’s authoritarian media strategy. Outlets like The Atlantic, the LA Times, and Poynter’s PolitiFact catalog a year of crackdowns and misinformation, including propaganda-led briefings and high-profile lies. However, opposition movements and legal resistance signal some democratic resilience. (Read More) (Poynter Rating)

CBS News Falters Under Bari Weiss Amidst Strategic and Editorial Turmoil

Variety reports that CBS News is experiencing internal dysfunction under new editor-in-chief Bari Weiss. Weiss, formerly of The Free Press, has come under fire for decisions such as abruptly pulling a “60 Minutes” segment, rushing anchor transitions, and shifting editorial tone to accommodate Trump administration narratives. Staff describe a chaotic newsroom climate, citing low morale and concern over declining credibility. Weiss is reportedly considering changes to “CBS Mornings” and may overhaul the network’s streaming strategy. Critics point to a disconnect between Weiss’s startup background and legacy media operations. (Read More) (Editor & Publisher Rating)