American lawyer, FCC chair since 2025; commissioner since 2017
The Republican-led EEOC has voted to end the annual demographic reporting requirement (EEO-1) for private employers, prompting a 30-day public comment period and a hearing on August 11. The move argues the data collection is costly and potentially at odds with colorblind employment principles; critics say the data are crucial to uncover discrimination patterns.
The White House Correspondents’ Association re-stages a scaled dinner after a chaotic April event. Trump has attacked the press during the event, amid broader tensions over media access and First Amendment rights. Organisers and critics debate whether the gala can uphold press freedoms while the president remains adversarial.
The Federal Communications Commission has added "advanced robotic devices" — including humanoid robots, four‑legged machines and some connected power inverters — to a list that blocks new foreign-made models from US markets on national‑security and cybersecurity grounds. The rule has taken effect for models not yet authorised; existing authorised devices remain allowed while exemptions can be requested.
The FCC has ordered early license reviews for eight ABC stations, prompting ABC to accuse the agency of retaliating for politically unpopular content and urging broadcasters to uphold public-interest obligations. Former commissioners, civil‑liberties groups and advocacy organisations have filed opposing arguments; conservative groups warn the move could set a dangerous precedent for future administrations.
The Telegraph and Independent reveal letters in which Natalie Harp describes feeling overlooked and loyal to Trump. The publications frame the correspondence as personal insight into the president’s inner circle, with reactions from allies and critics alike. The White House defends Harp amid ongoing scrutiny of her proximity to Trump.
The Fourth Circuit has set aside an FCC policy that extended the lowest unit charge for pre-election TV ads to political parties and joint fundraising committees. Republican committees plan to appeal to the Supreme Court as campaigns brace for the 2026 midterms. Democrats argue the ruling favors bigger war chests and stress grassroots fundraising.
President Donald Trump has said NBCMeet the Press host Kristen Welker will be reported to the Federal Communications Commission for what he called a "purposeful inaccuracy" after she said his endorsements have had "mixed results" this primary season. He named FCC chair Brendan Carr and urged the commission to act; broadcasters and rights groups are litigating alleged FCC pressure.
Jimmy Kimmel has said he will post his interview with Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico to YouTube rather than air it on ABC, saying the FCC under President Donald Trump has threatened his show and ABC affiliates. ABC and Disney have sued the FCC over early licence reviews and new guidance on equal-time rules; other late-night hosts have moved candidate interviews online.
Paramount Skydance faces antitrust litigation blocking its merger with Warner Bros. Discovery. A California-led legal challenge threatens to push Paramount’s headquarters and thousands of jobs out of California, triggering a potential $10.6–$21.2 billion hit to state output and hundreds of millions in tax losses. The LAEDC warns the move could reshape Hollywood’s economic center.
Chapek describes his Disney exit as a deliberate undermining by his predecessor Bob Iger, and recounts the board’s role, Iger’s return to the helm, and the ensuing financial and strategic strains on Disney through the pandemic and after.
The government has spent millions on TV ads featuring President Trump and other officials, labeled as public service announcements. Democratic senators have demanded answers, arguing the funding may be illegal and constituted a misuse of taxpayer dollars as midterms approach. The ads have drawn broad criticism and questions about independence of agencies.
David Ellison has closed the roughly $110 billion merger that combines Paramount and Warner Bros. into a single company rebranded Skydance. The deal has folded HBO Max and Paramount+ together under one owner, brought CBS and CNN into the same corporate roof, and left the new firm carrying heavy debt while promising film release minimums and editorial safeguards.
The FCC is considering a request that would allow political groups to run AI-generated robocalls without prior consent. The move has prompted warnings of misinformation and voter manipulation ahead of midterm elections. Public comment is open, with a decision expected later this fall.
SpaceX has acquired up to 14 MHz of low-band 800 MHz spectrum, paving the way for Starlink Mobile to become a major US carrier. The deal, awaiting FCC approval, would merge satellite and terrestrial networks to boost indoor and dead-zone coverage. Shares in rival telecoms have fallen as investors reassess the landscape.