Media News Daily: Top Stories for 07/31/2026

ABC Accuses FCC of Censorship

ABC is accusing the Federal Communications Commission and Chair Brendan Carr of attempting to censor the network by calling several ABC-owned local stations up for early license renewal. In a filing, ABC argued the move signals to media companies that they must accommodate the administration’s view of news coverage or face regulatory consequences. The FCC defended its oversight role, saying broadcasters use public airwaves and must operate in the public interest. ABC countered that even if violations were found, license non-renewal would be an extreme sanction and said the process appears designed to chill broadcasters. (Read More) (The Hill Rating)

BuzzFeed Cuts 35% of Staff After Allen Media Deal

BuzzFeed is cutting 35% of its workforce after its takeover by Allen Media. About 180 jobs will be eliminated from a staff of roughly 500, including positions in the HuffPost and Tasty divisions. BuzzFeed said the layoffs are expected to save about $30 million per year. The cuts follow the sale of a 51% stake in BuzzFeed to Byron Allen’s media company for $120 million in May. (Read More) (Mediapost Rating)

Study Finds News Audiences Shift to Phones

A study from media analyst Evan Shapiro found that consumers under 55 increasingly get news and information through social feeds on smartphones rather than traditional media. The study, which examined screen time from December 2025 to May 2026, found YouTube leads overall attention for consumers ages 13 to 54, while TikTok leads among those ages 13 to 34. Local newsrooms in Indianapolis and across Indiana are responding by expanding social media, vertical video, streaming, newsletters, events, and personality-driven reporting. Editors said the challenge is reaching younger audiences on platforms they use while preserving depth, accuracy, and journalistic quality. (Read More) (News From The States Rating)