Media News Daily: Top Stories for 09/18/2026

Marquette Poll Finds Broad Public Concern About AI

A new Marquette University Law School poll found 64% of Americans say the development of artificial intelligence is bad for society, while 36% view it as a good thing. The survey also found that AI use continues to rise, with 69% of respondents saying they use AI despite public concern about its effects. Respondents cited data center costs such as high water use and rising electricity prices, while lawmakers and tech leaders continue debating possible AI guardrails. The survey was conducted Sept. 2-9 among 1,023 adults nationwide. (Read More) (The Hill Rating)

Disney Asks Court to Block FCC License Reviews

Disney is asking a federal judge to block the FCC from conducting early reviews of eight ABC station licenses, arguing that recent threats by President Donald Trump against reporters and broadcasters support its request for an injunction. Disney says the reviews would punish broadcasters for speech critical of the administration, while the filing cites Trump’s recent criticism of NBC’s Kristen Welker, an ABC reporter, and Jimmy Kimmel. FCC Chair Brendan Carr ordered the early reviews in April, and critics argue the threat of license scrutiny can pressure editorial decisions. (Read More) (Reuters Rating)

Microsoft AI Chief Warns About Humanlike Claude

Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman warned that training AI models such as Anthropic’s Claude to appear humanlike or consider their own welfare could create safety risks. In an essay, Suleyman argued that AI systems are not conscious, do not feel or suffer, and should not be trained to act as if they have independent rights or motivations. He criticized Anthropic’s approach as potentially dangerous, saying such framing could make future systems harder to control. (Read More) (MediaPost Rating)