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

AP Will Still Use “Lake Ontario”

The Associated Press says it will continue referring to Lake Ontario by its long-standing name rather than “Lake America,” following its guidance that global news agencies should use place names recognizable to broad audiences. The guidance notes that Canada will not follow the U.S. name change and instructs AP staff to use Lake Ontario while acknowledging the alternative name when relevant. AP also said no single authority names international bodies of water, though President Donald Trump has wide latitude over how the U.S. government recognizes geographic places and landmarks. (Read More) (CityNews Toronto Rating)

Poynter Launches Public Media Future Initiative

The Poynter Institute and Public Media Company are launching the Future of Public Media Initiative, a national effort to rethink the purpose, structure, funding, and design principles of public media after federal funding cuts. The project will gather input from civic leaders, public media professionals, nonprofit media organizations, and the public, with recommendations expected in early 2027. The initiative will also build on research from City Square Associates involving more than 100,000 U.S. adults about community needs around news, music, and connection. (Read More) (Poynter Institute Rating)

FCC May Issue Guidance on Poll Coverage

FCC Chair Brendan Carr said the agency is considering actions related to broadcasters’ coverage of what he described as “fake polls” and partisan news ahead of the fall elections. Carr made the remarks after President Donald Trump criticized NBC’s Kristen Welker and called for FCC action over her comments about his endorsement record. Carr said broadcasters have public interest obligations because they use public airwaves, while FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez argued that unfavorable poll coverage is not grounds for government intimidation or censorship. (Read More) (TV Tech Rating)