Media News Daily: Top Stories for 02/16/2026

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.

Target, Williams-Sonoma Sign On As ChatGPT Advertisers

Target and Williams-Sonoma Inc. are among the first companies to pilot contextual advertising within OpenAI’s ChatGPT platform. Sponsored and clearly labeled ads from Target and its Roundel retail media partners will appear alongside relevant shopping conversations, triggered by keywords in user prompts. Williams-Sonoma will test OpenAI’s advertising principles designed to ensure ads are transparent and do not influence chatbot responses. Reporting notes ChatGPT now exceeds 800 million weekly active users, attracting additional advertisers including Adobe, Audible, Ford, and Mazda via WPP Media. (Read More) (MediaPost Rating)

As Washington Post Shrinks, Regional Dailies Offer Sustainable Models

An analysis in Press Gazette examines newsroom cuts at The Washington Post under owner Jeff Bezos and contrasts them with five regional newspapers pursuing sustainable models: The Boston Globe, The Minnesota Star Tribune, The Seattle Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and The Salt Lake Tribune. The Post recently eliminated at least 300 newsroom positions, significantly reducing coverage. The featured regional papers emphasize community-rooted ownership, nonprofit and hybrid models, premium digital subscriptions, geographic expansion, and diversified revenue strategies. The article argues that innovation and public-service focus remain key to long-term viability. (Read More) (Press Gazette Rating)

David Greene Sues Google Over Alleged AI Voice Likeness

David Greene, former host of NPR’s “Morning Edition,” has filed a lawsuit against Google, alleging the male podcast voice in its NotebookLM tool closely mirrors his cadence and delivery. Greene said he became aware of the resemblance after being contacted by colleagues and listeners. Google disputes the claim, stating the voice is based on a paid professional actor. The dispute follows previous controversies involving AI-generated voices resembling public figures. (Read More) (TechCrunch Rating)