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The Guardian
3 hours ago
- Politics
- The Guardian
I chaired the FCC. The 60 Minutes settlement shows Trump has weaponized the agency
It is time to unfurl the 'Mission Accomplished' banner at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Paramount Global, the parent of CBS Television, has agreed to pay $16m to settle a lawsuit brought by Donald Trump over the editing of a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris. Presumably, the FCC can now cease its slow-walking of the Paramount-Skydance Media merger. Just two days after the president took office, the agency's new chair, Brendan Carr, inserted the FCC into the issues in the Trump lawsuit that alleged 'news distortion'. As the New York Post headlined: 'Trump's FCC pick Brendan Carr says '60 Minutes' editing scandal could affect Paramount-Skydance merger review.' That lawsuit was filed in the final week of the 2024 presidential campaign under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, a statute historically used against false advertising. The case was filed in a single-judge federal district court that one legal publication characterized as 'a favored jurisdiction for conservative legal causes and plaintiffs'. CBS characterized the case as 'without merit'. The 60 Minutes broadcast aired in October; the day before, a different excerpt had appeared on Face the Nation. Soon after, the Center for American Rights – a group that describes itself as 'a public interest law firm dedicated to protecting Americans' most fundamental constitutional rights' – filed a complaint at the FCC alleging CBS had engaged in 'significant and substantial news alteration'. The complaint was dismissed as seeking 'to weaponize the licensing authority of the FCC in a way that is fundamentally at odds with the First Amendment'. Immediately upon becoming the FCC chair, Carr reversed that decision and ordered a formal proceeding on the matter (but let stand the dismissal of a complaint against a local Fox station over its 2020 election coverage). The election of Trump and the installation of a Trump-appointed FCC chair transformed the Paramount/CBS merger from a review of the public interest merits of the transfer of broadcast licenses into a broader question that included the 60 Minutes editing. Carr told an interviewer: 'I'm pretty confident that the news distortion complaint over the 60 Minutes transcript is something that is likely to arise in the context of the FCC review of that transaction.' The formal paperwork for FCC approval of the license transfers was submitted 10 months ago, on 6 September 2024. Now that the lawsuit has been settled, it will be interesting to see how quickly the FCC acts. The CBS case is just one example of the tactical leverage the Trump FCC regularly exerts over those it regulates. Carr, who wrote the FCC chapter in the 'Project 2025' Maga blueprint, has not been shy about using this authority to achieve such political goals. Even before formally assuming the FCC chair position, Carr began exercising chair-like authority to advance the Maga agenda. This began with a letter to the CEOs of Alphabet (Google and YouTube), Meta (Facebook and Instagram), Microsoft and Apple alleging: 'you participated in a censorship cartel … [that is] an affront to Americans' constitutional freedoms and must be completely dismantled.' Going beyond traditional FCC authority, he threatened: 'As you know, Big Tech's prized liability shield, Section 230, is codified in the Communications Act, which the FCC administers.' Carr suggested he might investigate whether those editorial decisions were made in good faith. Recently, Carr conditioned the approval of Verizon's acquisition of Frontier Communications on Verizon agreeing to drop its corporate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies. Continuing his anti-diversity efforts, he launched an investigation into Comcast Corporation because it promotes DEI as 'a core value of our business'. In his pre-FCC chair days, Carr championed press freedom. In a 2021 statement, he wrote: 'A newsroom's decision about what stories to cover and how to frame them should be beyond the reach of any government official.' Once he became Trump's FCC chair, however, he not only picked up on the 60 Minutes matter, but also launched an investigation into the public broadcasters NPR and PBS 'regarding the airing of … programming across your broadcast member stations'. The FCC's regulatory authority directly covers about one-sixth of the American economy while also affecting the other five-sixths that rely on the nation's communications networks. What was once an independent, policy-based agency has been transformed into a performance-based agency, using any leverage it can discover or invent to further the Trump Maga message. Tom Wheeler was the chair of the Federal Communications Commission from 2013 to 2017
Canada News.Net
3 hours ago
- Business
- Canada News.Net
Paramount pays Trump $16 million over Kamala Harris' CBS interview
NEW YORK CITY, New York: Paramount has agreed to pay US$16 million to settle a lawsuit brought by U.S. President Donald Trump over CBS's broadcast of an edited interview with Kamala Harris, marking one of the largest media settlements involving a sitting president. The deal, announced late on July 1, follows months of legal wrangling and arrives as Paramount seeks regulatory approval for its $8.4 billion merger with Skydance Media. The settlement resolves Trump's claim that CBS deceptively edited its "60 Minutes" interview with Harris—then a presidential candidate—to favour Democrats in the 2024 election. Trump filed the original $10-billion lawsuit in October and raised the damages sought to $20 billion in an amended complaint filed in February. Paramount said the $16 million would go toward Trump's future presidential library. "The settlement does not include a statement of apology or regret," the company noted. Shares of Paramount dropped 1.2% on Wednesday following the news. The Federal Communications Commission, which must approve the Skydance merger, responded critically. FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez called the settlement a "desperate" move that casts "a long shadow over the integrity of the transaction" and sets a "dangerous precedent for the First Amendment." CBS had aired two versions of the Harris interview, which appeared to show her giving conflicting answers about the Israel-Hamas conflict. The network said the edits were routine for televised interviews and maintained the suit was "completely without merit," requesting its dismissal. On the campaign trail and as president, Trump has threatened to revoke CBS's broadcast licenses, though the FCC grants licenses to individual stations, not networks. The case entered mediation in April and comes amid growing scrutiny over media-industry concessions to Trump. Senator Ron Wyden called the settlement "a bribe for merger approval," while Senator Bernie Sanders warned it would embolden Trump's attacks on the press. Senator Elizabeth Warren announced plans to propose limits on donations to sitting presidents' libraries. Senator Ed Markey said the settlement "reeks of political interference." Trump's legal team welcomed the outcome. "With this record settlement, President Donald J. Trump delivers another win for the American people," a spokesperson said. Paramount also agreed that transcripts of future "60 Minutes" interviews with U.S. presidential candidates would be released after airing, with redactions as needed for legal or national security reasons. A spokesperson for Paramount Chair Shari Redstone was unavailable for comment. At the annual shareholder meeting, Co-CEO George Cheeks explained the decision: settling would avoid "unpredictable" legal costs and the risk of "significant financial as well as reputational damage." Trump argued CBS's editing violated Texas's Deceptive Trade Practices-Consumer Protection Act, a novel legal route to target press coverage without needing to prove actual malice. The move adds to a growing list of media settlements with Trump. In December, ABC News agreed to pay $15 million to his presidential library and issued an apology for an inaccurate on-air comment. In January, Meta Platforms, parent of Facebook and Instagram, settled a suit over Trump's account suspensions by paying around $25 million. Trump has vowed to continue pursuing lawsuits against media outlets. In one ongoing case, he refiled a lawsuit against the Des Moines Register in Iowa state court after dropping a federal version. The suit alleges misleading polling data and seeks to bar the paper from publishing "deceptive" election-related polls. The Register has stood by its reporting and said the suit is without merit.
Arab Times
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Arab Times
Julian McMahon, star of 'Nip/Tuck', 'Charmed', and 'Fantastic Four', dies at 56
NEW YORK, July 5: Australian actor Julian McMahon, best known for his roles in Nip/Tuck, Charmed, and as the Marvel villain Doctor Doom in Fantastic Four, has died at the age of 56. He passed away on Wednesday in Clearwater, Florida, following a private battle with cancer, which had not been publicly disclosed prior to his death. His wife, Kelly Paniagua, confirmed the news in a statement released Friday, describing him as her 'beloved husband.' She said, 'Julian loved life. He loved his family, his friends, his work, and his fans. His deepest wish was to bring joy into as many lives as possible.' She also asked for privacy as the family grieves and encouraged others to 'continue to find joy in life' in his memory. Born in Sydney in 1968, McMahon was the son of former Australian Prime Minister Sir William 'Billy' McMahon and Lady Sonia McMahon. He began his career as a model in the 1980s before moving into acting, first gaining attention on Australian soap opera Home and Away in 1990, appearing in 150 episodes. His transition to international fame began with roles in American television, including Another World, Profiler, and Will & Grace. However, it was his portrayal of Cole Turner, a half-human, half-demon assassin in the hit supernatural series Charmed (2000–2003), that earned him widespread recognition. McMahon went on to star as Dr. Christian Troy, a charismatic and arrogant plastic surgeon, in Ryan Murphy's acclaimed medical drama Nip/Tuck, which ran from 2003 to 2010. The role earned him a Golden Globe nomination and solidified his status as a leading man in American television. He became known for playing complex, often villainous roles, including Victor Von Doom (Doctor Doom) in Fantastic Four (2005) and its sequel in 2007. He also voiced the character in the 2005 video game adaptation. In more recent years, McMahon starred as Special Agent Jess LaCroix in CBS's FBI: Most Wanted, leading the cast for three seasons before departing the series. Producer Dick Wolf called his passing 'shocking news,' adding, 'All of us at Wolf Entertainment are deeply saddened by Julian's passing and our condolences go out to his entire family.' McMahon's most recent roles included Australian Prime Minister Stephen Roos in Netflix's The Residence, a villainous surfer in The Surfer alongside Nicolas Cage, and a romantic lead in The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat. Australian director Stephan Elliott, a longtime friend and former schoolmate, paid tribute, calling McMahon a 'wild child' and remembering their collaboration on the 2018 film Swinging Safari. 'He never had so much fun on a film,' Elliott said. 'He went to town and left us crying with laughter after every take.' McMahon was married three times, including a brief marriage to singer Dannii Minogue in 1994 and to actress Brooke Burns, with whom he had a daughter. He married Kelly Paniagua in 2014. Julian McMahon is remembered for his charisma, versatility, and the joy he brought to fans around the world through a career that spanned over three decades.
Pink Villa
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Who Was Julian McMahon? Tributes Pour in as Fantastic Four Star Passes Away at 56
Julian McMahon, known for his unforgettable performances in Nip/Tuck, Charmed, and the Fantastic Four films, left the world on July 2 in Clearwater, Florida, after a previously undisclosed battle with cancer. He was 56. His wife, Kelly McMahon, shared that he spent his final days surrounded by loved ones. Over a career spanning three decades, McMahon captivated audiences with his magnetic screen presence. Today, his family, friends and fans mourn the loss of a performer whose warmth and charisma left an unforgettable mark on both television and film. A private battle with cancer McMahon passed away in peace after a private struggle with cancer. His wife, Kelly McMahon, shared in a statement to Deadline, 'Julian loved life. He loved his family. He loved his friends. He loved his work, and he loved his fans,' she said. She further emphasized his wish to bring joy to as many lives as possible. The couple wed in 2014 and built a life together alongside Kelly's stanch support. Their daughter, Madison 'Maddy' McMahon, survives her father, whose loss leaves a profound void in their home. From Sydney to Hollywood: A storied career Born in Sydney in 1968, McMahon began his on-screen journey on Australian soaps before moving to America. His early work included Another World and Profiler, but it was his three-season run as Cole Turner on Charmed that cemented his status. Ryan Murphy tapped him for Nip/Tuck, where McMahon's portrayal of Dr. Christian Troy earned him a Golden Globe nomination. Later, he led CBS's FBI: Most Wanted and took on the chilling role of Victor Von Doom in two Fantastic Four blockbusters. Tributes and lasting impact Colleagues and fans have expressed shock and sorrow. Co-star Dylan Walsh told the publication, 'I'm stunned. We rode this wave together and I loved him.' He expressed his condolences to McMahon's family, and spoke of the times they laughed together: 'All those years you had my back, and my god, we laughed. My heart is with you. Rest in peace.' Nicolas Cage, who worked with McMahon on The Surfer, called him 'kind and intelligent,' stating that 'Julian is one of my favorite people.' As a final tribute, Netflix fans will see McMahon in The Residence, his posthumous farewell. His legacy endures in the characters he brought to life and the joy he shared on and off screen.
The Irish Sun
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Former teen pinup looks unrecognisable 30 years after finding fame – but can you guess who it is?
THIS former teen pinup looks unrecognisable 30 years after finding fame in a VERY famous teen comedy. Now 50, this actor has swapped the big screen for the small one and is still enjoying a very successful career - but can you guess who it is? 7 Can you guess who this former teen pinup is? Credit: Instagram/@sistosistosisto 7 Now 50, the actor in question became famous in his 20s Credit: Instagram/@sistosistosisto 7 This actor shot to fame in 1995 teen movie Clueless Credit: Alamy 7 Did you guess the actor is Jeremy Sisto known for playing Elton in Clueless? Credit: Alamy The actor in question is Jeremy Sisto, who shot to fame in the movie Clueless. Released in 1995, the movie star was just 20-years-old when he landed a role in the cult classic teen flick. Appearing alongside movie stars like Cher and her friends. The role shot him and the rest of the cast to HUGE stardom, something Jeremy later admitted he struggled with at first. More on unrecognisable stars Opening up to "And then, a teen comedy when you're in your 20s, for me anyways, was something I was afraid people were laughing at me —as opposed to seeing what I wanted them to see." Continuing, Jeremy told the publication: "So, there was a period where I guess I was afraid if my career hadn't continued —like a lot of actors, it just sorta dries up— that I'd be seen as somebody who had a shot and failed.' However, his feelings about success changed in his 30s and he embraced his Clueless fame. Most read in Celebrity Referring to a very famous scene in the movie, Jeremy said: 'Now, I'll do 'Rollin' with the homies' for anybody. I don't care.' Jeremy also revealed how his family also enjoy his Clueless notoriety. Trailer for the original 1995 film Clueless "One of my daughter's friends refuses to call me anything but Elton," he once told Since finding fame in his 20s, Jeremy has remained in the spotlight, but tends to focus his career on the small screen - although he did voice King Runeard in Disney's Frozen II. Over the years he has appeared in big TV shows like Six Feet Under, Law and Order, and Suburgatory. Since 2018, he has played Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jubal Valentine in Dick Wolfe's CBS drama, FBI . Away from the limelight, Jeremy is married with kids and shares daughter Charlie, 16, and son Bastian, 13, with wife Addie Lane. 7 Clueless brought Jeremy a huge amount of fame Credit: Alamy 7 The star continues to act and tends to focus on the small screen Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 7 Jeremy has plays Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jubal Valentine in Dick Wolfe's CBS drama FBI Credit: Getty
