Media News Daily: Top Stories for 01/13/2026

This page hosts daily news stories about the media, social media, and the journalism industry. Get the latest Hirings and Firings, Media Transactions, Controversies, Censorship Issues, and more.

Meta Appoints Dina Powell McCormick as President and Vice Chairman

Dina Powell McCormick, a seasoned banking executive and former Republican official, has joined Meta full-time as president and vice chairman, reporting directly to CEO Mark Zuckerberg. Previously on Meta’s board, Powell McCormick brings deep global financial connections and experience in U.S. government, including roles in the Bush and Trump administrations. Her focus will include strategic infrastructure investment, AI development, and partnerships with governments and sovereign entities. She joins from BDT & MSD Partners, and will also remain on their advisory board. Zuckerberg praised her as uniquely qualified to guide Meta’s next growth phase. (Read More) (Axios Rating)

X (formerly Twitter) Files Antitrust Lawsuit Against Music Industry

X has launched a legal case against the National Music Publishers Association (NMPA) and associated publishers, alleging a coordinated effort to coerce it into blanket music licensing deals. X argues the publishers “weaponized” DMCA takedown requests to pressure the platform into overpaying for music usage, despite X’s limited reliance on music content. This case follows a 2023 lawsuit in which publishers sued X for $250 million over 1,700 copyright violations. Elon Musk’s company claims it was willing to negotiate individual deals but was instead met with collective demands. The outcome could reshape how music licensing is negotiated across platforms. (Read More) (Social Media Today Rating)

PBS News Weekend Cancelled Following $1.1 Billion Federal Funding Cut

PBS has cancelled its weekend news broadcasts, PBS News Weekend, after a massive $1.1 billion cut to public broadcasting funding by Congress. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting is also being dissolved amid political pressures. The weekend show, which averaged 827,000 viewers, will be replaced by two new weekly programs: Horizons, focusing on science and technology, and Compass Points, covering foreign affairs. The funding rollback significantly impacts PBS’s ability to provide breaking weekend news coverage. (Read More) (Associated Press Rating)