Media News Daily: Top Stories for 02/12/2026

Gallup Ends Presidential Approval Polling After 88 Years

Gallup announced it will stop publishing presidential approval and favorability ratings after more than eight decades, ending one of the most cited measures of public opinion on U.S. presidents. The polling firm said the decision reflects a shift toward long-term, issue-focused research rather than tracking individual political figures. Gallup will continue broader public research through its established survey series. The presidential approval rating has long served as a key media benchmark, with recent polls showing President Trump’s numbers declining from a 47 percent peak last February to below 37 percent in December. Read More (The Hill Rating)

CBS Evening News Producer Resigns, Citing ‘Ideological Expectations’

A CBS Evening News producer has resigned, criticizing what she described as a “shifting set of ideological expectations” under new leadership led by Bari Weiss. In a note shared publicly, producer Alicia Hastey said the network’s “heterodox” vision may pressure staff to weigh ideological considerations alongside journalistic merit, creating fear and uncertainty in the newsroom. The resignation follows reports of multiple producer buyouts ahead of expected layoffs, adding to internal concerns about the direction of CBS News. Read More (Mediaite Rating)

Meta Faces Trial Over Teen Safety and Addictive Design Allegations

A landmark trial has begun in California alleging that Meta and other social media platforms designed addictive systems and ignored known risks to children to fuel growth. The case stems from multidistrict litigation claiming companies prioritized expansion despite internal research on teen harm. The outcome could have significant implications for Section 230 protections if the court finds platforms knowingly amplified harmful content. A separate case in New Mexico raises similar allegations under state consumer protection laws, potentially influencing future regulation of social media companies. Read More (Social Media Today Rating)