Gomez: Merger Approval 'Cowardly Capitulation' To Trump

FCC Commissioner Anna M. Gomez, the sole Democrat on the three-member FCC, dissented in a 2-1 vote approving the $8.4 billion Paramount-Skydance merger. 

Her dissent centered on concerns that the FCC, under Chairman Brendan Carr, exerted undue pressure on Paramount and Skydance to secure the deal, compromising press freedom and violating First Amendment principles.

Gomez criticized Paramount for agreeing to a $16 million settlement with President Donald Trump over a "60 Minutes" interview with Kamala Harris, which Trump claimed was deceptively edited. She called this settlement a “desperate move” to appease the administration and gain FCC approval, setting a “dangerous precedent” for press freedom.

She argued that the FCC used its regulatory power to pressure Paramount into brokering this private legal settlement, which she viewed as an erosion of editorial independence.

Gomez described the FCC’s actions as “unprecedented,” specifically highlighting conditions imposed on the merger, such as:

• Elimination of DEI Programs: Skydance committed to ending diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives at Paramount, aligning with the Trump administration’s stance against such programs. Gomez argued this overstepped the FCC’s authority, as employment matters fall under other agencies’ jurisdiction.
• Newsroom Oversight: Skydance agreed to appoint an ombudsman at CBS News to evaluate complaints of editorial bias for at least two years. Gomez saw this as an imposition of “never-before-seen controls” over newsroom decisions, violating First Amendment protections.

She contended these concessions were extracted under pressure from the Trump administration, facilitated by FCC Chairman Brendan Carr.

FCC Chairman Hints 'The View' May Face Scrutiny

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr appeared on Fox News Thursday, where he discussed issues related to the television program The View. 

During the segment, when asked if The View was in the "crosshairs" of the Trump administration, Carr responded, "It's entirely possible there are issues over there ... the consequences aren't quite finished." 

Fox News' Bill Hemmer asks FCC Chair Brendan Carr whether The View is in Trump's "crosshairs" after WH slams "irrelevant loser" Joy Behar for calling Trump fat and jealous of Obama. https://t.co/q2qrJdhrZV pic.twitter.com/CSZhIjljns

— Zachary Leeman (@WritingLeeman) July 24, 2025

This statement was made in the context of his broader agenda as FCC Chairman, which has included a focus on investigating media outlets for perceived bias and promoting free speech by addressing what he describes as a "censorship cartel." 

The term "censorship cartel" is a phrase used by FCC Chairman Brendan Carr to describe a perceived coordinated effort among certain entities—primarily Big Tech companies, media outlets, and other organizations—to suppress or control information, particularly content they deem objectionable or harmful. While the term is not formally defined in legal or academic contexts, Carr has employed it to criticize what he sees as systematic bias in content moderation practices that stifle free speech, especially conservative viewpoints.

Carr has suggested that some media outlets and fact-checking organizations collude with tech platforms to flag or suppress content, often under the guise of combating misinformation. He has criticized groups like NewsGuard, which rates news sources for reliability, as part of this ecosystem.

Meanwhile, Carr expressed approval later Thursday with Skydance’s pledge to implement “serious changes” at CBS as part of its proposed $8 billion merger with Paramount, which awaits regulatory approval.

“I’m very pleased with Skydance’s filing, which commits to significant changes at CBS if the merger proceeds. I believe that’s positive,” Carr stated during a press conference following the FCC’s Open Commission meeting on Thursday. 

“They’ve promised to tackle bias, prioritize fact-based journalism, and either eliminate or avoid extending discriminatory DEI practices. These are substantial commitments, and we’ll carefully consider them in our review process.”

It Is July Afterall: 'The View' Is Taking Some Time Off

On Thursday’s episode of The View, co-host Joy Behar revealed that the show is going on a “hiatus,” stating, “We only have one more show after this before we go on hiatus.” 

The 82-year-old made the comment in a playful, conspiratorial tone, checking off-camera, “I’m allowed to say that, right?” Co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin quipped, “Too late now.” At the episode’s close, Whoopi Goldberg clarified that The View would return for a new season in September.

A source confirmed the hiatus is part of the show’s annual summer break, consistent with its usual practice of taking time off, such as the recent week-long Fourth of July break, with the hosts returning on July 7. ABC did not respond to requests for comment.

The announcement came a day after the Trump administration called for the show’s cancellation, following Behar’s on-air claim that President Trump was “jealous” of former President Barack Obama. 

A White House spokesperson retorted, “It’s no surprise that The View’s ratings hit an all-time low last year. [Behar] should reflect on her own jealousy of President Trump’s historic popularity before her show is the next to be pulled off air,” labeling Behar “an irrelevant loser.”

Fox News Outpacing CNN by Nearly 2M Viewers

Fox News Channel has solidified its position as the top-rated network across broadcast and cable, averaging 2.4 million viewers in primetime (Monday through Sunday) for the week of July 14-20, according to Nielsen Media Research. 

The network outperformed major competitors, including NBC (2.17 million viewers), CBS (1.96 million viewers), and ABC (1.91 million viewers), continuing its summer-long dominance. In stark contrast, CNN lagged significantly with just 498,000 viewers, trailing even HGTV’s 586,000.

Fox News’s late-night program Gutfeld! further underscored the network’s strength, particularly on July 17 and 18, amid CBS’s announcement to retire The Late Show franchise. On those nights, Gutfeld! drew 3 million and 2.8 million viewers, respectively, surpassing The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’s 1.96 million viewers for the week. Notably, Gutfeld! attracted 365,000 viewers in the coveted 25-54 age demographic on July 17, followed by 262,000 the next night. 

Fox News has commanded the highest ratings among broadcast and cable networks in primetime since Memorial Day, averaging nearly 3 million viewers. Last week, it captured 62% of the cable news audience in both primetime and total day viewing. The network’s dominance extends beyond the summer, having held the top spot in basic cable for eight consecutive years and remaining the most-watched television news channel for over 23 years. 

Nielsen data indicates that Fox News attracts nearly 70% of the cable news viewing audience, reinforcing its unparalleled reach in the competitive media landscape.

L-A Radio: ESPN 710 Resigns Mason & Ireland

ESPN has announced a multi-year agreement with Steve Mason and John Ireland, co-hosts of the long-running KSPN ESPN Los Angeles (710 AM) show Mason & Ireland. The duo, who have worked together for more than 30 years, will continue delivering afternoon drive entertainment to Southern California sports fans through Super Bowl LXI, which will air on ESPN and ABC. Mason & Ireland is a flagship program on ESPN LA, the radio home of the Lakers, USC, Kings, LAFC, and Angels.

Since arriving to ESPN LA in 2005, the duo have remained a cornerstone of the Los Angeles sports media landscape, known for its candid commentary, celebrity guests and deep connections to local teams. The show showcases Mason’s passionate fandom and Ireland’s insight from his longtime role as the Los Angeles Lakers’ radio play-by-play voice.

“We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with Steve and John,” said David Roberts, ESPN Executive Vice President, Executive Editor, Sports News and Entertainment. “They bring energy, humor, and perspective that resonate with listeners across Los Angeles. There’s nothing quite like Mason & Ireland in the market or in sports radio.”

 “I’m incredibly grateful to continue this amazing ride with ESPN and our loyal listeners,” said Steve Mason. “It’s an honor to do what I love every day with people I respect and a city I love.”

"I'm incredibly thankful to continue our run.  If you would have told me 20 years ago that Mason and I would get to talk sports, on ESPN Radio, in Los Angeles, for more than two decades--I would have called you crazy,” added John Ireland. “Those kind of runs rarely happen in radio.  But my dad used to tell me: "you have Irish luck--take advantage of it."  And the truth is, we've been ridiculously lucky to work here with people we love, and to do it for a great audience."

Mason & Ireland airs weekdays from 12 to 3 p.m. PT on ESPN LA, streaming on the ESPN LA app. The show is also simulcasted on YouTube on the ESPN LA feed.

Boston TV: WBZ Announces Buyouts Amid Staff Changes

WBZ-TV has offered voluntary buyouts to several photographers and engineers, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1228 confirmed on Thursday. 

The announcement follows the high-profile layoff of Emmy-winning health reporter Dr. Mallika Marshall and coincides with veteran reporter Beth Germano’s decision to retire next month after nearly three decades at the station.

The Boston Globe reports Fletcher Fischer, business manager and financial secretary for IBEW Local 1228, revealed that the buyouts target six photographers and three engineering department employees. The union currently represents 36 workers at WBZ, a smaller presence compared to other Boston stations like WHDH-TV (95 workers) and WCVB-TV (90 workers). 

Employees have until August 15 to accept the buyout offers, with departures expected in September. Fischer expressed uncertainty about whether the station plans to eliminate these positions permanently or replace them with lower-cost or younger staff. 

Beth Germano

The buyouts come during a period of upheaval for WBZ’s parent company, CBS News, and its parent, Paramount Global. On Thursday, the FCC approved Paramount’s $8 billion merger with Skydance Media, a deal long in the making. Paramount has also faced recent scrutiny, including a $16 million settlement with former President Donald Trump over an edited 60 Minutes segment and the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. 

Fischer speculated that the buyouts may be tied to the merger and broader corporate challenges, though neither WBZ nor Paramount responded to requests for comment.

Meanwhile, Beth Germano, a WBZ reporter since 1996, announced her retirement, effective August 15. The 64-year-old emphasized that her decision was voluntary and unrelated to the buyouts. “This is entirely my choice,” Germano said in an interview, describing the timing as coincidental. 

“Life is a series of chapters, and I feel it’s time to start a new one.” Germano, who has covered regional stories as a roving reporter and previously worked at WCVB-TV, New England Cable News, Monitor Cable Channel, WLVI-TV, and WGBH-TV, reflected on her career with gratitude, calling it “the most wonderful” experience.

NPR and PBS Donations Surge

The public broadcasting system in the United States last week was hit with a monumental upheaval when Congress voted to eliminate approximately $535 million in annual federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which supports PBS, NPR, and hundreds of local public radio and television stations nationwide. 

The decision, representing a near-total defunding of the CPB, has sent shockwaves through the public media landscape, threatening the financial stability of stations that rely on these grants to deliver educational, cultural, and journalistic programming to communities across the country.

In response, a remarkable outpouring of public support has emerged, with listeners and viewers rallying to bolster public media through a surge in grassroots donations. Over the past three months, as the threat of funding cuts loomed, an estimated 120,000 new donors have stepped forward, contributing roughly $20 million in annualized giving, according to Michal Heiplik, president and chief executive of the Contributor Development Partnership, a firm specializing in public media fundraising data. 

Overall, donations committed to public media for the year have risen by approximately $70 million compared to the previous year, reflecting a significant increase in public engagement.

While these figures are heartening, Heiplik cautioned that they fall far short of closing the $535 million gap left by the federal cuts. For many stations, particularly those in rural or underserved areas, CPB grants constitute a critical portion of their operating budgets, often funding essential services like local news, educational programming, and community outreach. Without this support, scores of stations may face severe financial strain, with some at risk of reducing services, laying off staff, or even ceasing operations entirely.“It’s an encouraging start, but we’re nowhere near replacing the lost federal funding,” Heiplik said.

 “The next few weeks will be critical in determining whether this momentum can grow to sustain the system.”

Some stations reported unprecedented giving in the immediate aftermath of the cuts. Amanda Mountain, president and chief executive of Rocky Mountain Public Media, a PBS and NPR member network serving Colorado, reported that her organization received 6,620 donations between Friday and Sunday alone, including 1,000 from first-time contributors. Among these was a transformative $500,000 gift from a single donor, underscoring the depth of commitment among public media supporters.

This wave of generosity reflects the unique role public broadcasting plays in American life. PBS and NPR stations are often trusted sources of in-depth journalism, educational content, and cultural programming, from investigative reports and documentaries to children’s shows like Sesame Street.

MPR’s Parent Announces Layoffs Due to Funding Cuts

American Public Media Group (APMG), the parent organization of MPR News, announced Thursdayplans to reduce its workforce by 5 to 8 percent and implement additional cost-saving measures in response to a $6 million budget shortfall triggered by significant cuts in state and federal funding.

APMG, which employs approximately 500 people, described the layoffs as part of a broader strategy to address financial challenges while maintaining its commitment to public media.

In a staff meeting and subsequent statement to MPR News, APMG leadership outlined the difficult steps ahead. “While we are in a relatively strong financial position compared to other public media organizations, these cuts are substantial,” said Roycie Eppler, APMG’s chief people and culture officer.

“We are implementing cost-saving measures, including reductions in employee benefits and a strategic reduction in force over the coming weeks. We are approaching these decisions with care and respect and will keep our team informed as details are finalized.”

The budget deficit stems from two major funding reductions. First, a federal bill eliminated $1.1 billion in previously allocated funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which provides approximately 6 percent of MPR’s annual budget. 

Additionally, Minnesota’s state budget slashed $1 million annually from MPR’s allocation for cultural heritage and legacy programming, reducing the total to $2 million through June 2027, down from $4 million in the prior budget cycle.In fiscal year 2023, the most recent year with available financial data, APMG reported operating expenses of $117 million against revenue of $108 million, relying in part on restricted endowment accounts to bridge the gap. The new funding cuts exacerbate this financial strain, prompting the organization to evaluate cost reductions across its operations.

APMG oversees a diverse portfolio, including MPR News, radio stations like The Current and YourClassical, and the nationally syndicated business program Marketplace. Leadership indicated that it is still determining which departments and roles will be affected by the layoffs, with notifications expected by mid-August. Impacted employees will be offered severance packages and outplacement services to support their transition.

Trump Signs Public Media Defunding Bill Into Law

President Donald Trump Thursday signed three significant pieces of legislation into law, with one of the most notable being the 2025 rescission package. 

This long-anticipated package aims to reduce federal spending by rescinding previously appropriated funds, aligning with the administration’s broader fiscal policy objectives. The rescission package, passed by Congress earlier in July 2025, targets funding for several programs, most prominently the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which supports public radio and television outlets such as National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS).

The 2025 rescission package is a key component of the Department of Government Efficiency’s aggressive cost-cutting measures, designed to streamline federal expenditures and reduce budgetary waste. By canceling funds that Congress had previously allocated, the package reflects a strategic effort to reallocate resources and prioritize fiscal restraint. Among the cuts, the legislation significantly reduces funding for USAID, an agency responsible for administering civilian foreign aid and development assistance globally. 

Additionally, the package eliminates $1 billion in funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a move that has sparked debate due to its impact on publicly funded media organizations that provide educational, cultural, and informational programming across the United States.

The rescission package’s passage through Congress earlier this month was met with both support and criticism. Proponents argue that the cuts are necessary to address inefficiencies in federal spending and redirect resources to higher-priority areas. Critics, however, contend that defunding programs like USAID could undermine U.S. global leadership in humanitarian aid and development, while slashing CPB funding may jeopardize access to independent, publicly supported media, particularly in underserved communities.

'Static' Revenue Forcing Buyouts At Gannett

Gannett Co. Inc., the largest U.S. newspaper publisher and parent company of USA Today and over 200 other publications, including The Arizona Republic, The Detroit Free Press, and The Indianapolis Star, is offering voluntary buyout packages to employees.

In a Thursday memo to staff, obtained by Deadline Detroit, CEO Mike Reed stated, “Given our static revenue trends, we need to adjust our organization to meet current business needs and ensure sustainable growth, leveraging AI and automation for efficiencies.” 

Gannett’s revenue has steadily declined, dropping from $3.21 billion in 2021 to $2.51 billion in 2024.

Reed noted that the voluntary severance package aims to reduce costs while pursuing revenue growth.

Eligible employees must accept the offer by July 30 and work through September 5. Gannett did not immediately provide details on the buyout terms to TheWrap.

The company’s workforce has already shrunk significantly, with 8,900 employees at the end of 2024, an 11% decrease from the previous year and a 20% drop from 2022. Chief Communications Officer Lark-Marie Antón reinforced Reed’s focus on innovation, stating, “As Gannett pursues revenue growth, we’re making strategic decisions to embrace automation and adapt our cost structure. This voluntary severance provides flexibility to drive improvement while valuing our employees.”

News Agencies Express Concern for Journalists In Gaza

BBC News, alongside leading news agencies Agence France-Presse (AFP), Associated Press (AP), and Reuters, issued a joint statement expressing grave concern for journalists in Gaza, who are struggling to feed themselves and their families amid dire conditions.

The statement highlighted that these local journalists, serving as “the world’s eyes and ears” in Gaza for months, now face starvation and the same hardships as the people they report on. It noted that Israel bars foreign media, including BBC News, from entering Gaza, making international outlets dependent on local reporters. 

The statement read: “We are desperately concerned for our journalists in Gaza, who are increasingly unable to feed themselves and their families. They endure many deprivations in warzones, and we are deeply alarmed that starvation is now among them. We urge Israeli authorities to allow journalists in and out of Gaza and ensure adequate food supplies reach the population.”

This follows warnings from over 100 aid organizations and human rights groups about mass starvation in Gaza. Separately, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), Save the Children, and Oxfam reported that their staff and the communities they serve are “wasting away.” 

Israel, which controls aid entry into Gaza, has accused these charities of “serving the propaganda of Hamas.”

Texas Hall of Fame Unveils 2025 Finalists

The Texas Radio Hall of Fame (TRHOF) has unveiled the fifty finalists eligible for induction into its 2025 Class, alongside a new slate of honorees to be inducted under its newly introduced Lonestar Legacies category. The announcement marks the beginning of the final voting process, which is now open to TRHOF voting members at www.TRHOF.net and will continue through midnight on Thursday, August 7.

This year's ballot was narrowed down from more than 160 broadcast professionals who were nominated for consideration. The TRHOF's Internal Review Committee evaluated the submissions and recommended the final fifty nominees, from which voting members will select twenty individuals to be honored at the annual Induction Ceremony on November 1 at the Texas Broadcast Museum in Kilgore.

In a new tradition launching this year, the Hall of Fame has introduced the Lonestar Legacies designation to recognize late broadcasters whose contributions to Texas radio continue to resonate. TRHOF Executive Director Doug Harris explained the importance of keeping the memory of these influential voices alive.

"With the passing of each year," Harris said, "the voting membership's familiarity with some of the most accomplished and influential figures in Texas Radio history fades a bit more. Our Lonestar Legacies, selected by an ad hoc committee of TRHOF board members and advisors from our 2025 submissions, have earned their rightful place on the diadem of our Hall of Fame crown."

The inaugural Lonestar Legacy inductees are:Alberto Alegre Calvo

• Randy Lemmon
• Gary Mason (Aycock)
• Susan O'Donnell
• Tom Perryman

These five honorees will be inducted alongside the twenty individuals selected through member voting.