June 16 Morning News Ratings: Gains for GMA and CBS Mornings in Key Categories
For the week of June 16, both GMA and CBS Mornings experienced gains in key morning news ratings categories, notably tightening the gap between GMA and Today among Adults aged 25-54.
Media Matters Files Lawsuit Against FTC Over Alleged Free Speech Retaliation
Media Matters has filed a lawsuit against the FTC, accusing the agency of conducting a retribution campaign aimed at limiting the organization's free speech rights. This legal action highlights concerns over governmental influence on media freedom.
Steam Deck OLED Now Back in Stock After Supply Chain Delays
Valve has resolved supply chain constraints and restocked the Steam Deck OLED handheld gaming device in the US and Canada. Available models include 512GB and 1TB versions with enhanced OLED displays and a price range of $549 to $649. The Steam Deck Docking Station is sold separately, while the upcoming Switch 2 remains intermittently available at retail stores.
FTC Approves $13.5 Billion Ad Merger with Restrictions Favoring Elon Musk's Platform X
The FTC, led by Republicans, will approve Omnicom's $13.5 billion merger with Interpublic but bans steering ads away from platforms like Elon Musk's X based on political views. The order addresses antitrust and boycott concerns after X lost advertisers over controversial content. Advertisers may still request placement preferences directly, aiming to balance competition and free business operations.
Hue Launches Larger Smart Button with Price Increase in U.S.
Hue's new smart button is bigger and more expensive in the U.S., costing $32.99. It retains the same features as its predecessor but offers a larger design and easier battery replacement. The price increase may be linked to tariffs, with Hue planning wider price hikes in the U.S. market.
New York to Build Its First New Nuclear Power Plant in Decades
New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced plans for a new nuclear power plant, the first in decades, aiming to diversify energy sources and reduce emissions. Supported by advanced nuclear technology and partnerships with tech giants like Google and Microsoft, the project marks a revival in US nuclear energy amidst environmental and economic challenges.
Top Apple Watch Deals You Can Grab Right Now
Apple's latest wearable lineup includes the Series 10, the budget-friendly Apple Watch SE, and the rugged Ultra 2. Current discounts make these models more accessible, with prices starting as low as $169 for the SE. New models offer advanced features and improved designs, catering to varying needs and budgets.
Elon Musk's Legal Team Asserts He 'Does Not Use a Computer' Amid Lawsuit
Elon Musk's lawyers have claimed in a court filing that he 'does not use a computer' amidst his ongoing lawsuit against Sam Altman and OpenAI. This assertion is notable given Musk's previous public mentions of his laptop during the past year.
Cable News Ratings for Wednesday Evening, June 18: 'The Five' Tops the Charts
MSNBC's evening cable news lineup on June 18 attracted over a million viewers between 4 and 11 p.m. ET, with 'The Five' leading in the ratings, showcasing a competitive evening for cable news audiences.
Nintendo Switch 2 Sells Out Quickly at Best Buy Following Launch
The Nintendo Switch 2 has sold out rapidly at Best Buy shortly after its June 5 launch, becoming the fastest-selling console ever with 3.5 million units sold in four days. It offers backward compatibility with original Switch games and improved performance for some titles. The console is available as a standalone or in a bundle with Mario Kart World, providing cost savings for buyers.
Tegna Appoints Three Regional Vice Presidents to Manage Local Stations
Tegna has named three regional vice presidents to manage their local stations, with each executive assigned to a distinct geographic area. This move aims to enhance regional oversight and operational efficiency at the local level.
Exclusive: ABC News Conducts First Broadcast Interview with Mahmoud Khalil
ABC News secured an exclusive first broadcast interview with Mahmoud Khalil. Meanwhile, NBC News' Dylan Dreyer traveled over 4,000 miles to cover the renowned Royal Ascot, showcasing the dedication and reach of major news networks.
News Corp. CEO Robert Thompson Secures Five-Year Contract Extension
Robert Thompson, serving as CEO of News Corp. since 2013, has recently had his contract renewed for another five years, reinforcing his leadership at the company.
Compass Sues Zillow Over Private Listing Ban Policy
Compass has taken legal action against Zillow due to its policy prohibiting private home listings. Compass advocates for a three-phase marketing method for sellers that involves private listings, highlighting a conflict between the two companies.
AI's Role Expands: From News Delivery to Legal Assistance
AI chatbots have evolved from simple search tools to sophisticated answer engines. Aron Solomon points out that professional services are unprepared for this shift and suggests the future of AI involves specialized copilots for decision-making in high-stakes areas such as legal services.
Chinese Electric Vehicle Factories Turned Into Popular Tourist Attractions
Chinese electric vehicle factories, including notable brands like Xiaomi and Nio, have become major tourist attractions due to their advanced automation and innovative assembly lines. This surge in visitor interest highlights the growing fascination with the technology and production processes behind electric vehicles in China.
SpaceX Starship Suffers Ground Explosion During Static Fire Test at Starbase
SpaceX's Starship Ship 36 exploded during a static fire test at Starbase, Texas, with no injuries reported. The explosion likely stemmed from a pressurized tank failure. This incident follows several test explosions earlier in the year. SpaceX is advancing its Starship designs to improve reliability and increase launch frequency in the future.
Spotify's Lossless HiFi Streaming Expected to Launch Soon
Spotify's much-anticipated lossless streaming feature is likely to launch soon, based on recent hidden mentions and reports. Initially announced in 2021, the feature was delayed but is now expected as part of a premium "Music Pro" tier coming this year, competing with services like Apple Music and Tidal.
Trump Extends TikTok Ban Deadline Again, Pushing US Data Security Concerns
President Trump has extended the TikTok divestment deadline by 90 days to mid-September, aiming to secure American user data. This third extension faces legal and political pushback, with unresolved negotiations complicating TikTok’s US future.
The Complex Dynamics Between Microsoft and OpenAI in the AI Industry
Microsoft and OpenAI's relationship faces significant challenges despite public displays of unity. Strained negotiations over AI resources and business structure have led to potential antitrust concerns, with OpenAI considering accusations against Microsoft. The dispute centers around OpenAI's acquisition of Windsurf and the terms of their partnership, reflecting growing tensions within the $13 billion investment.