Media News Daily: Top Stories for 01/02/2026

Media Industry Cut 17,000 Jobs in 2025

The media and entertainment industry eliminated over 17,000 jobs in 2025, an 18% increase from the previous year, according to data from Challenger, Gray & Christmas. The job losses affected television, film, news, broadcast, and streaming sectors, driven largely by corporate restructuring, mergers, and the adoption of artificial intelligence. Notably, news organizations lost 2,254 jobs, a 50% decrease from 2024. Paramount Global’s merger with Skydance Media and Disney’s cost-cutting led to substantial layoffs. Meanwhile, AI contributed to nearly 55,000 job cuts across all industries, prompting New York to become the first state to require disclosure of AI-related layoffs. Despite declines in traditional sectors, the creator economy has seen modest growth. Read More (MediaPost Rating)

Legal Journalism Sees Boom Amid Trump’s Legal Battles

Legal news outlets have experienced a surge in readership amid a flurry of lawsuits and regulatory shifts during President Trump’s second term. Publications such as Bloomberg Law and SCOTUSblog report heightened engagement as professionals and the general public seek clarity on sweeping executive orders and judicial decisions. Independent legal newsletters like Law Dork and One First have also doubled their subscriber bases. Coverage areas driving this growth include health care, technology, and manufacturing, with readers increasingly interested in understanding their rights and the legal implications of federal actions. Read More (The Hill Rating)

New ‘CBS Evening News’ Anchor Pledges Transparency and Accountability

Tony Dokoupil, the new anchor of CBS Evening News, has pledged to prioritize viewers over advertisers, politicians, and corporate interests, urging audiences to hold him accountable. In a message marking his new role, Dokoupil criticized legacy media for neglecting everyday perspectives and promised a more transparent approach. His appointment coincides with CBS hiring Bari Weiss as its editor-in-chief following the network’s acquisition of her outlet, The Free Press. The move has raised questions about CBS’s editorial direction under Weiss, who has faced both praise and criticism for shifting coverage priorities and editorial decisions. Read More (The Hill Rating)