Cable News Covers U-S Attack On Iran Nuke Sites

The coverage of the U.S. bombing of Iranian nuclear sites on Sunday, by major cable news channels—Fox News, CNN, MSNBC, and NewsNation—varied in tone, focus, and framing, reflecting their distinct editorial perspectives. Below is an analysis based on available information, including web sources and posts on X, highlighting how each outlet approached the story.

Fox News

Fox News provided extensive and supportive coverage of the U.S. strikes, emphasizing the operation’s success and strategic importance. Key points include:Breaking News and Live Updates: Fox News broke the news with a post on X at 7:57 PM EDT on Saturday, announcing the U.S. attack on Iranian nuclear sites. Subsequent live updates highlighted details, such as the use of six 15-ton bunker-buster bombs on the Fordow facility, reported by host Sean Hannity after speaking with President Trump.

Focus on Military Precision: Coverage underscored the precision and effectiveness of the strikes, with correspondent Jennifer Griffin describing Fordow as the “crown jewel” of Iran’s nuclear program. Fox News reported that B-2 stealth bombers executed the mission, dubbed “Operation Midnight Hammer,” with satellite imagery showing severe damage to Fordow.

Positive Framing: The network highlighted Trump’s leadership, with Hannity noting the “spectacular military success” and quoting Trump’s claim that the sites, including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, were “totally obliterated.” An expert on Fox claimed Iran’s nuclear program was “no longer” viable post-strike, and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu was reportedly informed beforehand.

Defense Perspective: Fox News cited Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the Joint Chiefs, stating Iran did not fire at U.S. bombers, reinforcing the operation’s dominance. The network also raised concerns about potential Iranian retaliation against U.S. troops, noting risks to bases like Tower 22 in Jordan.
Audience Differentiation: A post by pollster Frank Luntz on X noted Fox News’ focus on the strikes’ precision and success, contrasting with other networks’ approaches.

CNN

CNN’s coverage was detailed and analytical, focusing on the event’s implications and maintaining a cautious tone regarding outcomes. Key aspects include:Live Updates and Context: CNN provided live updates, confirming U.S. strikes on Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan early Sunday, June 22, 2025. The network noted Trump’s claim of total destruction but emphasized that U.S. officials were still assessing damage, urging restraint in declaring success.

Military Details: CNN reported the use of “anti-bunker” bombs and noted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s five-hour meeting during the strikes, suggesting coordination. The network highlighted the strategic significance of Fordow, a heavily fortified site, and the use of B-2 bombers.

Geopolitical Implications: Earlier CNN coverage (June 17) indicated Trump’s growing inclination to strike Iranian nuclear sites, tying the decision to rising oil prices (U.S. oil futures hit $74.84). Post-strike, CNN covered global reactions, including a UN Security Council meeting where IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi and U.S. Ambassador Dorothy Shea spoke.

Balanced Tone: CNN avoided definitive judgments, focusing on the complexity of the conflict and Iran’s potential response. It reported Iranian protests in Tehran and President Masoud Pezeshkian’s refusal to halt nuclear activities, signaling ongoing tensions.

MSNBC

MSNBC’s coverage leaned heavily on the risks of escalation and potential Iranian retaliation, adopting a critical perspective on the strikes. Key points include:Retaliation Focus: According to Frank Luntz’s X post, MSNBC led with concerns about Iran’s possible retaliatory actions, highlighting the dangers of a broader conflict. This aligns with MSNBC’s tendency to emphasize diplomatic and humanitarian consequences over military achievements.

Skepticism of Success: While specific MSNBC reports are not detailed in the sources, the network likely questioned the strikes’ long-term efficacy, given its critical stance on Trump’s foreign policy. This is inferred from its framing of Iran’s retaliation as a primary concern, suggesting doubts about the operation’s ability to neutralize Iran’s nuclear ambitions permanently.

Limited Specifics: Due to the lack of direct MSNBC sources, coverage details are less granular. However, MSNBC’s editorial lens typically prioritizes progressive critiques, likely focusing on the legal and ethical implications of unilateral U.S. action and the absence of congressional approval, as raised in broader debates.

NewsNation

NewsNation, known for its centrist approach, likely provided balanced but less prominent coverage compared to the major networks. Key observations include:Neutral Reporting: NewsNation typically aims for factual, less polarized reporting. Its coverage would likely focus on the strikes’ basic facts—U.S. B-2 bombers targeting Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—while summarizing Trump’s statements and Iranian responses without strong editorializing.

Limited Visibility: No specific NewsNation reports appear in the provided sources, suggesting its coverage was less dominant than Fox, CNN, or MSNBC. As a smaller outlet, NewsNation may have relied on wire services or brief segments, emphasizing key developments like satellite imagery of damage or UN reactions.

Audience Appeal: NewsNation’s reporting avoided the polarized framing of Fox (pro-strike) or MSNBC (anti-escalation), instead offering a straightforward narrative to appeal to viewers seeking neutrality.

Comparative Analysis

Tone and Bias: Fox News was overtly supportive, framing the strikes as a decisive victory and aligning with Trump’s narrative. CNN adopted a cautious, fact-driven approach, emphasizing uncertainty and global ramifications. MSNBC prioritized risks and escalation, likely critiquing the operation’s strategic wisdom. NewsNation, while less visible, likely maintained a neutral tone to attract a broad audience.

Focus Areas: Fox highlighted military precision and Trump’s leadership, CNN focused on strategic and diplomatic consequences, MSNBC emphasized retaliation risks, and NewsNation likely stuck to core facts without deep editorializing.

Audience Differentiation: As noted by Luntz, cable news coverage reflected “aggressive audience differentiation.” Fox catered to viewers favoring strong U.S. action, MSNBC to those concerned with escalation, and CNN to those seeking detailed analysis. NewsNation likely targeted viewers wary of polarized narratives.

Broadcast News Coverage Was Also Extensive

The U.S. bombing of Iranian nuclear sites on June 22, 2025, was a major news event covered extensively by broadcast television networks NBC, ABC, CBS, and PBS. Each network provided detailed reporting, with variations in focus, tone, and framing based on their editorial priorities. Below is an analysis of their coverage, drawing from available web sources and posts on X, while critically examining the information for accuracy and context.

NBC

NBC News offered comprehensive, real-time coverage, emphasizing the military operation’s details, geopolitical implications, and domestic political reactions. Key points include:Breaking News and Live Updates: NBC provided live updates starting late Saturday, June 21, 2025, with a detailed report on June 22 confirming U.S. strikes on Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites. President Trump’s claim that the facilities were “completely and totally obliterated” was highlighted, though NBC noted it could not independently verify the extent of damage, citing an Iranian MP’s counterclaim that Fordow was not seriously damaged.

Military Details: NBC reported that seven B-2 Spirit stealth bombers dropped 14 GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) “bunker-buster” bombs on Fordow, with 30 Tomahawk missiles launched from U.S. submarines targeting Natanz and Isfahan. General Dan Caine, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman, described the operation, dubbed “Operation Midnight Hammer,” as involving 125 U.S. aircraft and deception tactics to evade Iranian defenses.

Geopolitical Context: NBC framed the strikes as a significant escalation in the Israel-Iran conflict, noting Israel’s prior attacks since June 13 and Trump’s shift from opposing Israeli strikes to approving U.S. involvement after a June 8 briefing. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s statement to NBC about distrust in U.S. diplomacy underscored Iran’s stance against negotiations amid attacks.
Domestic Reactions: NBC covered political divisions, with Vice President JD Vance on “Meet the Press” claiming the U.S. was “not at war with Iran, but with its nuclear program” and declining to confirm total destruction. Congressional critics, including Senator Richard Blumenthal, questioned the strikes’ legality, citing Trump’s failure to seek congressional approval.

Critical Tone: NBC emphasized the risks of escalation, noting Iran’s vow to retaliate and the vulnerability of 40,000 U.S. troops in the region. It also reported protests in Times Square against the strikes.

ABC

ABC News focused on the technical aspects of the strikes and their strategic implications, maintaining a balanced but cautious tone. Key aspects include:Operational Focus: ABC reported the use of B-2 stealth bombers to deliver GBU-57 MOP bombs, noting Fordow’s underground fortification made it a challenging target only the U.S. could effectively strike. The network highlighted that the strikes followed Israel’s attacks on Iranian air defenses, reducing the need for B-2 stealth capabilities.

Damage Assessment: ABC noted that the extent of damage to Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan was unclear, with Iranian officials confirming strikes but downplaying their impact. Satellite imagery showing craters at Fordow was mentioned, but no definitive conclusions were drawn.
Strategic Context: ABC framed the strikes as a major escalation in the Israel-Iran conflict, which began intensifying on June 13. It reported Trump’s warnings of further attacks and Iran’s threats to target U.S. bases in Gulf states like Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Public Reaction: An X post suggested ABC was proactive in covering the strikes, interrupting Saturday night programming, indicating urgency in its reporting. However, specific ABC broadcasts were less detailed in sources compared to NBC.
Neutral Tone: ABC avoided strong editorializing, focusing on factual reporting and the potential for regional destabilization without aligning with pro- or anti-strike narratives.

CBS

CBS News provided straightforward reporting with a focus on Trump’s statements, military execution, and Iranian responses. Key points include:Trump’s Narrative: CBS highlighted Trump’s address to the nation on June 21, where he claimed the strikes were a “spectacular military success” and that Iran’s nuclear facilities were “completely and totally obliterated.” His Truth Social posts about a “full payload of BOMBS” on Fordow and the operation’s historic significance were also featured.

Military Specifics: CBS confirmed that B-2 bombers dropped 14 MOP bombs on Fordow, with General Dan Caine noting it was the first operational use of the weapon. Approximately 24 Tomahawk missiles targeted Isfahan, softening defenses before the main strike.

Iranian Response: CBS reported Iran’s condemnation, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi calling the strikes a “brutal military aggression” and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) vowing “regrettable responses” against U.S. bases. Iran’s launch of 30 missiles at Israel shortly after the strikes, causing injuries in Tel Aviv, was also covered.

Political Critique: CBS noted congressional concerns, with Representative Thomas Massie calling the strikes “unconstitutional” due to lack of congressional approval. Senator Tim Kaine echoed this, arguing the action constituted a “war of choice”.

Factual Approach: CBS maintained a direct, fact-based tone, avoiding speculative commentary but emphasizing the strikes’ unprecedented nature and potential consequences.

PBS

PBS NewsHour offered in-depth, analytical coverage, focusing on the strikes’ strategic, legal, and humanitarian dimensions. Key aspects include:Detailed Reporting: PBS confirmed U.S. strikes on Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, with Trump’s address claiming the sites were “completely and fully obliterated.” The network noted Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization confirmed attacks but insisted its nuclear program would continue.

Technical Insights: PBS emphasized the B-2 bombers’ exclusive ability to deliver the GBU-57 MOP bombs, critical for penetrating Fordow’s mountain fortifications. It also discussed Isfahan’s role as a nuclear research hub and Natanz’s underground centrifuge cascades, noting prior Israeli strikes had damaged the latter.

Legal Questions: PBS explored the legality of Trump’s decision, questioning whether he had authority to order strikes without congressional approval. It cited Democratic critics like Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who called for Trump’s impeachment, and contrasted this with Republican support from figures like Senator Lindsey Graham.

Global Reactions: PBS covered international responses, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s praise for Trump’s “bold decision” and Iran’s vow to retaliate. The UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported no increased radiation levels, countering fears of environmental fallout.

Analytical Tone: PBS adopted a measured, context-heavy approach, emphasizing the strikes’ risks, including fears of a wider Middle East conflict and Iran’s potential asymmetric retaliation through proxies like Hezbollah.

Comparative Analysis

Tone and Framing: NBC leaned into real-time updates and critical analysis, questioning Trump’s claims while detailing military and political fallout. ABC focused on technical and strategic aspects, maintaining neutrality. CBS emphasized Trump’s narrative and Iranian counter-responses, sticking to facts. PBS provided the most analytical coverage, prioritizing legal and global implications.

Focus Areas: NBC and CBS highlighted military execution and Trump’s rhetoric, while ABC delved into the technical challenges of targeting fortified sites. PBS stood out for its focus on legality and long-term consequences, appealing to viewers seeking depth.

Political Coverage: All networks noted congressional criticism, particularly from Democrats, but PBS and NBC gave more airtime to legal debates. CBS and ABC briefly mentioned Republican support, aligning with Trump’s base.

Audience Appeal: NBC and CBS targeted broad audiences with fast-paced, fact-driven reports. ABC appealed to viewers interested in military strategy, while PBS catered to those seeking nuanced, policy-oriented coverage.

CNN to Implement Cost-Cutting Measures

CNN is preparing to roll out cost-cutting initiatives, including salary reductions for its employees, according to Status. Starting July 1, staff will be required to submit receipts with expense reports for activities such as source meetings and travel.

The network’s anchors and correspondents are also facing pay cuts as competitors achieve comparable or better ratings at lower costs. This follows reports of high anxiety among CNN staff, with over half a dozen employees expressing concerns to Status. The network made headlines recently when it was announced that it would be spun off from Warner Bros. Discovery to a new entity, Global Networks, led by Warner Bros. Discovery CFO Gunnar Wiedenfels, known for aggressive cost-cutting.

Employees who weathered previous layoffs under Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav anticipate further uncertainty. One staffer told Status, “Everyone is wary and tired, and there is so much change that we don’t understand what direction the company is going in.” Another described a lack of confidence in leadership, while a third speculated that CNN might not survive in the long term.

Despite the unease, Wiedenfels expressed optimism in a staff memo titled “Excitement for the Future,” emphasizing CNN’s editorial independence. However, the memo failed to lift morale. Adding to the tension, two senior executives, Laura Bernardini (vice president of domestic news) and Jacque Smith (vice president for digital video), are departing after 28 and 17 years, respectively.

Speculation also surrounds CNN anchor Anderson Cooper, who reportedly hired a top Hollywood agent, amid news of his $18 million annual salary. CNN, along with other struggling Warner Bros. Discovery cable channels like HGTV, TBS, TNT, and the Food Network, will be part of the Global Networks spinoff.

News Corp Extends Contract Of CEO

News Corp has extended the contract of its Chief Executive Officer, Robert Thomson, through June 2030, as announced on June 22, 2025. 

Thomson, who has led the company since 2013, had his previous contract set to expire in June 2027. The extension reflects News Corp's confidence in Thomson's leadership, which has driven significant transformation and profitability, particularly through strategic investments in core pillars like Dow Jones, Digital Real Estate Services, and Book Publishing. 

Under his tenure, News Corp achieved its four most profitable years from fiscal 2021 to 2024, with digital revenue reaching 50% of total revenue. Notable achievements include the sale of Foxtel to DAZN for $2.19 billion in 2024 and a $400 million deal with OpenAI for content usage.

 
Thomson, reportedly Australia’s highest-paid executive with $41.9 million in compensation last year, has been praised by News Corp Chair Lachlan Murdoch for creating shareholder value and advocating for journalism and intellectual property rights in the digital age. 

The extension signals stability as News Corp navigates a rapidly evolving media landscape, including AI-related challenges and opportunities.

Smartphone Users Increasingly Reject News Alerts

A new global survey by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism reveals growing fatigue among smartphone users toward news alerts, the notifications that deliver breaking news and world events. According to the report, 79% of respondents receive no news alerts in a typical week, with 43% of those having actively disabled them, citing an overload of notifications or their lack of relevance.

“Publishers walk a tightrope with news alerts,” said lead researcher Nic Newman. “Most limit daily alerts and follow strict criteria on their type and timing.” Despite these efforts, many users feel overwhelmed by notifications from news publishers, aggregators, sports apps, calendars, messaging groups, and social media.

\The study shows news alerts have become more common over the past decade. In the U.S., weekly news alert recipients rose from 6% in 2014 to 23% in 2025, and in the UK, from 3% to 18%. However, users often criticize apps like Google News and Apple News for sending repetitive alerts on the same topic. In the U.S., 16% of respondents received at least one alert from CNN in the past week, followed by Google News (13%) and Fox News (11%).

Newman noted that alerts can keep users informed and broaden perspectives beyond breaking news but lose value when they rely on sensationalized headlines or feel irrelevant. The findings highlight a challenge for publishers: balancing timely updates with user tolerance in an increasingly crowded digital space.

22 State Attorneys General Support NPR, PBS

Twenty-two state attorneys general have filed a 41-page amicus brief on Friday, urging a federal judge to support PBS and NPR in their legal battle against the Trump administration’s efforts to defund the public media networks through an executive order. The attorneys general argue that the order, issued on May 1, is unlawful and threatens the vital role of public media.

The executive order claims PBS and NPR fail to provide “fair, accurate, or unbiased” reporting and directs the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) and federal agencies to halt their funding. In response, PBS and a Minnesota-based subsidiary filed a lawsuit, calling the directive an “unprecedented” threat to public television. The 22 states now back this lawsuit, emphasizing the importance of public media.

The brief highlights that many states host partnerships with schools, colleges, and universities through public media affiliates, which deliver widely viewed educational, documentary, and news content. It argues that the CPB, established by Congress in 1967 to create PBS and NPR, must be upheld, as the executive branch lacks authority to unilaterally defund them.

“Only Congress, with its power of the purse, can decide public media funding,” the brief states. “The Executive Order is ultra vires and violates the First Amendment.” It further notes that NPR and PBS provide critical emergency alerts, including weather and disaster warnings, often using resilient infrastructure that private broadcasters cannot replicate.

The attorneys general conclude that public media fosters public trust and connects communities through essential services, from education to life-saving alerts. Defunding it, they warn, would erode trust and leave many Americans isolated.

Senate Puts Off CPB Claw Back Bill Until July

The U.S. Senate faces a decision by July 18, 2025, on whether to approve a rescission bill passed by the House of Representatives on June 12, 2025, to claw back $1.1 billion in previously allocated funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which supports public media outlets like NPR, PBS, and over 1,500 local radio and television stations. 

The bill, part of a $9.4 billion rescission package targeting foreign aid and public media, was initiated by the Trump administration and passed the House in a narrow 214-212 vote, largely along party lines, with four Republicans opposing it.

The $1.1 billion represents CPB’s funding for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 ($535 million per year), already approved by Congress and signed into law by President Trump earlier in 2025. The rescission, if approved by the Senate with a simple majority, would eliminate this funding, potentially devastating public media, especially rural and smaller stations that rely heavily on federal support. For example, stations in Alaska, South Dakota, and Montana could lose significant portions of their budgets, impacting local news, emergency alerts, and educational programming.

Senate consideration ia expected to be contentious. Some Republican senators, like Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine, expressed concerns about the cuts, citing the critical role of public media in rural areas and emergency systems. Senate Majority Leader John Thune indicated the Senate might not address the bill until July, prioritizing other legislation, and suggested possible tweaks to the package. If the Senate failed to pass the bill by July 18, 2025, the funds would be released to CPB as originally intended.

Opponents, including Democrats and public media advocates, argued the cuts would weaken independent journalism and disproportionately harm underserved communities, calling the move politically motivated. Supporters, mainly Republicans, claimed public media outlets exhibit bias and that the funds were wasteful. 

Public media leaders, like NPR’s Katherine Maher and PBS’s Paula Kerger, urged the Senate to reject the bill, emphasizing its role in providing trusted, accessible content.

Social Media Overtakes TV As Top News Source

The 2025 Digital News Report from Oxford’s Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism reveals a historic shift: for the first time, more Americans are turning to social media for news than traditional television. The study, released this week, surveyed nearly 100,000 people across 48 countries about their news consumption over the past week, covering sources like social and video networks, TV, online news sites, podcasts, print, and AI-generated news.

Social media topped the list, with 54% of U.S. respondents using it for news, edging out television at 50% and online news sites at 48%. Print media has seen a steep decline, dropping from 47% in 2013 to just 14% in 2025. The survey, conducted online, may lean toward younger, digitally savvy respondents, but the trend is clear: social media’s dominance is growing, particularly in the U.S., where the shift is more pronounced than globally.

AI chatbots are emerging as a news source, used by 7% of respondents overall but 15% of those under 25. Several factors drive this shift. The U.S. lacks a unifying national media outlet, like the BBC in the UK, resulting in a fragmented, often polarized media landscape. Major publishers’ slow adoption of video-first platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts has allowed individual creators to fill the gap. Additionally, platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok deliver fast, shareable news, easily accessible on ubiquitous smartphones.

Despite AI’s growing presence, trust in it is waning. The report highlights a preference for human-driven, personality-based news sources. A February 2025 Pew Research study supports this, noting that 21% of Americans rely on “news influencers” who resonate with their worldviews. This trend benefits politicians, the RISJ notes, as they can bypass traditional media for friendly influencers who avoid tough questions.

The findings underscore a rapidly evolving news landscape where trust, personality, and accessibility shape how Americans stay informed.

WaPo' s Circulation Plummets to 55-Year Low

Andy Meek, writing for Forbes, was stunned by The Washington Post’s latest average daily paid circulation figure: a mere 97,000, according to the Alliance for Audited Media. 

This marks the first time in 55 years that the Post’s circulation has dipped below 100,000, a number more typical of mid-sized regional papers like The Minnesota Star Tribune or The Seattle Times than a Pulitzer-winning, billionaire-owned newsroom with global aspirations.

Five years ago, the Post sold 250,000 papers daily; now, its Sunday edition barely reaches 160,000. This collapse in readership reflects a weakening bond with its audience at a time when trust and relevance are critical for media. Print, while no longer dominant, remains a key revenue source and a gauge of a brand’s strength, making these numbers alarming.

The paper does not disclose website traffic to the public anymore under Publisher Will Lewis

Compounding the issue, the Post is shrinking its operations, recently eliminating its Metro section and merging local news with Sports and Style. This move signals a retreat from its once-robust local and national ambitions. Readers on X have criticized the paper’s weak Virginia coverage and its failure to compete with outlets like Politico and Axios on Capitol Hill reporting. Some argue the Post lost its edge as a D.C. insider paper while failing to rival The New York Times nationally.

The Post’s brand may be part of the problem. Its name ties it to Beltway politics, appealing to lawmakers and lobbyists but less so to readers outside D.C., like those in Des Moines. Unlike The New York Times, which has broadened its appeal with lifestyle content like games and cooking, the Post struggles to transcend its D.C.-centric identity in a city less versatile than New York.

The paper also faces internal challenges: recent departures of top Metro reporters and editors, sagging newsroom morale, and tensions over Jeff Bezos’s editorial direction. With readership crumbling, a branding issue, and leadership struggles, the Post is in a tailspin. Its circulation numbers suggest time is running out to reverse the decline.

Live TV Viewing Declines as Streaming Shifts

Live sports remain a cornerstone of TV programming, drawing large audiences, but a new survey from Attest’s sixth annual “U.S. Media Consumption Report” reveals a continued decline in live TV viewership, especially among younger consumers. 

The report, which examines U.S. consumption of television, audio, news, and social media, shows that 56% of consumers watch three or more hours of TV daily in 2025, down from 61% in 2024 and 63% in 2023. The 50–67 age group is the most dedicated, with 66% watching at least three hours daily.

Live TV viewership has taken the biggest hit: 28% of consumers report watching no live TV on an average day, up from 24% in 2024 and 20% in 2023. Among those under 30, 41% typically avoid live TV, compared to 27% of 31–49-year-olds and 20% of those over 50. Younger viewers who do watch live TV tend to limit it to 30 minutes to one hour daily.

Streaming viewership has also shifted, with a 4% drop in those watching three or more hours daily and a rise in one- to two-hour sessions. A third of consumers now stream for one to two hours daily, with under-30s leading: 25% stream for one to two hours, and another 25% for three to four hours.

Among streaming platforms, Netflix regained 2% of weekly viewers after a 9% drop last year, reaching 64% weekly viewership. Prime Video and Disney+ saw the most growth, each up 4% to 49% and 35%, respectively, with Prime Video hitting its highest weekly viewership since Attest began tracking. Max lost 4% of weekly viewers, falling to 25%, while Apple TV+ remains at 12%. Younger viewers (18–30) dominate Netflix (77%), Hulu (57%), and Disney+ (46%), while 31–49-year-olds lead for Prime Video (55.5%), Paramount+ (31%), YouTube TV (19%), and Apple TV+ (13.5%). Peacock, Apple TV+, and Sling show even age distribution.

Digital news consumption is also declining among 18–30-year-olds, with 41% accessing it weekly (down 7% from last year) and 20% reading digital magazines weekly. Conversely, over-50s are engaging more, with 66% accessing digital news weekly (up 6%) and 20% reading digital magazines (up 4%). The 31–49 age group leads in digital magazine consumption, with 27% accessing it weekly.

Sean Combs’ Former Chief of Staff Faces Scrutiny

Combs and Kristina Khorrman

Kristina Khorram, who served as Sean Combs’s chief of staff from 2020 until her departure last year, is under scrutiny in a federal court case where Combs faces charges of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy. Described by Combs as his “right hand” in a 2021 Facebook post, Khorram managed a team of personal assistants and acted as a key intermediary for his sprawling business empire since joining his company in 2013. 

Her responsibilities extended beyond business, including arranging doctor’s appointments and rent payments for Combs’s girlfriends and keeping them informed of his daily moods.

Although Khorram, 38, has not been charged or called as a witness and has previously denied any wrongdoing, her actions are central to the prosecution’s narrative. Prosecutors allege she facilitated logistics for extended hotel stays and drug transportation tied to the case’s core allegations. “Her duties as Mr. Combs’s chief of staff were extremely broad,” prosecutor Meredith Foster stated, noting her role in arranging hotel accommodations and narcotics transport.

The prosecution argues that Khorram and other Combs employees were not merely diligent assistants but part of a “criminal enterprise.” Combs denies all charges, and his attorney, Alexandra Shapiro, has rejected claims of a racketeering enterprise, asserting that the government has not proven Khorram’s involvement in any conspiracy. Shapiro emphasized that there is no evidence Khorram agreed to participate in a racketeering scheme with criminal intent.

Khorram’s lawyer declined to comment on the case or the government’s portrayal of her client.

Boston Radio: WERS' George Knight Discloses Throat Cancer

Veteran Boston radio host George Knight is undergoing treatment for throat cancer, he announced on the non-com WERS website.

Knight, host of Mornings with George Knight on WERS, revealed that he began treatment in early May after noticing swollen glands and seeking medical advice. “After tests, it was determined to be serious but treatable,” he wrote.

Reflecting on the emotional impact of his diagnosis, Knight noted the loss of his father and a co-worker to cancer. Initially reluctant to share publicly, he chose to open up to support others facing similar challenges. “By sharing my experience, I hope to show those dealing with cancer that they’re not alone,” he said, urging others to seek early medical checks to improve treatment outcomes.

Since May, Knight has undergone extensive radiation and chemotherapy, maintaining his on-air presence despite vocal challenges. He has no plans to step away from his show, described by WERS as a music-focused morning program with news, weather, and traffic updates for dedicated listeners.