Media News Daily: Top Stories for 02/09/2026

FCC Launches Investigation Into ABC’s ‘The View’ Over Political Interview

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has opened a probe into ABC’s daytime talk show The View following the appearance of Democratic Texas Senate candidate James Talarico. The investigation centers on whether the program violated equal-time rules by offering airtime to one political candidate without providing equal opportunity to opponents. The probe follows recent FCC rule changes limiting exemptions for shows previously considered “bona fide news” programs. FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr, appointed under President Trump, has long criticized political bias in daytime programming and suggested last fall that The View may not meet exemption criteria. (Read More) (The Hill Rating)

Hearst Magazines Union Walks Out, Demands AI Protections and Better Wages

Hundreds of employees at Hearst Magazines walked off the job for a half-day strike in New York City, calling for a fair contract, wage increases, flexible work conditions, and safeguards against AI replacing creative roles. The protest comes after management failed to reach a new agreement following the expiration of the union’s previous contract. Workers highlighted concerns over artificial intelligence’s impact on creative jobs. Mary Fama, an art director at Cosmopolitan, emphasized the urgency of securing AI-related protections now. The strike adds pressure as media unions across the country increasingly raise alarms over technology and labor rights. (Read More) (Democracy Now! Rating)

Trump Backs Nexstar’s $6.2B Bid to Acquire Tegna, Raising Media Ownership Concerns

President Trump reversed his stance and endorsed Nexstar Media Group’s proposed $6.2 billion acquisition of Tegna, a move that would make Nexstar the largest local TV operator in the U.S. The deal, pending FCC approval, would give Nexstar access to 80% of American households, far exceeding current regulatory limits. Nexstar already controls over 200 stations and networks like NewsNation and The CW, while Tegna owns 64 stations and niche networks like True Crime Network. Lawmakers, including Sen. Michael Bennet and Rep. Joe Neguse, have raised concerns over media consolidation and local news diversity.(Read More) (AP News Rating)