Media News Daily: Top Stories for 04/22/2026

As Statehouse Coverage Shrinks, Student Journalists Step In

Across 30 states, college journalism programs are helping fill shrinking statehouse coverage gaps as local newsrooms cut staff and resources. Programs such as Franklin College’s Statehouse File, the University of Vermont’s Center for Community News network, Rutgers’ New Jersey State House News Service, the University of Oklahoma’s Gaylord News, and the University of Florida’s Fresh Take Florida. Educators say these programs not only strengthen legislative coverage but also give students real-world experience, confidence, and career preparation before graduation. Former student reporters described the work as more demanding and transformative than traditional classroom or campus-media assignments. Read More (Poynter Rating)

FTC Seeks to Drop Appeal Against Media Matters

The Federal Trade Commission is asking a federal appeals court to dismiss its appeal in a case involving Media Matters for America, arguing that recent antitrust settlements with Dentsu, Publicis, and WPP resolved the issues behind its earlier demand for records. Media Matters plans to oppose the request, contending the FTC is trying to avoid an unfavorable ruling. The dispute began after Media Matters sued to block an FTC investigative demand that sought financial and newsgathering information, which Media Matters said was retaliatory following its reporting on ads placed next to pro-Nazi content on X. A district judge previously blocked the FTC’s demand, finding the agency likely acted with retaliatory intent. Read More (MediaPost Rating)

Supreme Court Signals Support for FCC Fines Against Verizon and AT&T

The U.S. Supreme Court appeared inclined to uphold the FCC’s ability to impose more than $100 million in fines against Verizon and AT&T over alleged failures to safeguard customer location data. The wireless carriers argue that the FCC’s in-house enforcement process violates their Seventh Amendment right to a jury trial, while the government maintains that companies can challenge the penalties later in federal court. The case could have wider implications for other federal regulators that use similar internal enforcement systems. A decision is expected by late June or early July. Read More (Reuters Rating)