ABC News

BBC to Charge US Users for News, Faces Skepticism and Backlash

The BBC is launching a subscription service in the US, marking the first time it will directly charge users outside the UK for unlimited news content and live television coverage. This “premium experience” includes ad-free articles, the BBC News channel livestream, and early access to podcasts and newsletters, with a yearly fee of $49.99. This move is aimed at increasing commercial income, particularly in a US market where some news outlets have reputations for political bias. This venture directly competes with other news streaming services while also addressing financial pressures stemming from a decline in licence fee income.

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ABC Improperly Fired Antoinette Lattouf Over Gaza Retweet, Court Finds

The Federal Court ruled the ABC unlawfully terminated Antoinette Lattouf’s employment in December 2023, citing her political opinions regarding the war in Gaza as a factor. Justice Rangiah found the broadcaster contravened the Fair Work Act by dismissing Lattouf, awarding her $70,000 in compensation. The case originated from a social media post Lattouf shared, and despite the ABC’s claim that her contract simply ended, the court determined she was terminated. This case has garnered significant attention within the media industry, raising questions about editorial independence and employment protections.

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ABC Fires Terry Moran After Trump Admin Criticism

ABC News terminated senior national correspondent Terry Moran following a since-deleted tweet calling Stephen Miller a “world-class hater.” The network cited a violation of its objectivity and professionalism standards as the reason for non-renewal of his contract. Moran’s tweet, which criticized Miller’s role in the Trump administration, drew immediate condemnation from Republican figures including Karoline Leavitt and JD Vance. This action follows Moran’s suspension and comes amidst ongoing tensions between ABC News and Donald Trump.

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ABC News Fires Reporter for Criticizing Trump, Sparking Outrage

Veteran ABC News correspondent Terry Moran’s contract was not renewed following a social media post criticizing Donald Trump and Stephen Miller. The network cited the post as a violation of its objectivity standards, leading to the decision not to renew his expiring contract. This action followed immediate suspension and public pressure from the Trump administration. Moran’s commentary, though swiftly deleted, drew strong reactions along partisan lines.

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ABC News Orders The View to Tone Down Trump Criticism

Following concerns from Disney CEO Bob Iger and ABC News President Almin Karamehmedovic, The View’s hosts were asked to reduce their focus on political rhetoric. While framed as a suggestion, not a mandate, the hosts resisted, citing audience demand for their political commentary, particularly given the current administration’s actions. Despite this pushback, the network maintains its dialogue with the hosts regarding content, and the show’s high ratings suggest the political coverage hasn’t negatively impacted viewership.

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Trump’s Testy Exchange: Interviewer Ignored, Photoshopped Image Denied

During a contentious interview marking his 100th day back in office, President Trump clashed repeatedly with ABC journalist Terry Moran. A key point of contention involved a disputed image of deported Salvadoran national Kilmar Abrego Garcia, which Trump claimed showed gang tattoos despite evidence suggesting digital alteration. Further disagreements arose over Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s handling of classified information and the President’s authority regarding Abrego Garcia’s deportation. Trump dismissed Moran’s questions, criticizing the journalist and ABC News while expressing varying levels of confidence in his appointees.

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ABC Settles Trump Defamation Suit, Critics Condemn Precedent

ABC News and George Stephanopoulos settled a lawsuit filed by Donald Trump for $15 million, including a donation to a future presidential library and covering Trump’s legal fees. The settlement, following a deposition order for Trump, prompted strong criticism, with many commentators labeling it a “sellout” and an “awful precedent.” Critics expressed concern that the network caved to pressure, setting a worrying precedent for future conflicts. The case stemmed from an interview where Stephanopoulos questioned Rep. Nancy Mace about her Trump endorsement in light of the E. Jean Carroll case.

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ABC Pays $15M to Trump, Critics Cry ‘Democracy Dies’

ABC News settled a defamation lawsuit filed by Donald Trump for $15 million, including a charitable contribution to Trump’s presidential library and legal fees. The suit stemmed from anchor George Stephanopoulos inaccurately stating Trump was “found liable for rape” regarding E. Jean Carroll’s lawsuits, a claim rejected by the court. This settlement, reached before scheduled depositions, has drawn significant criticism from both Democrats and Republicans who accuse ABC News of cowardice and prioritizing profit over journalistic integrity. Legal experts also questioned the network’s decision to settle rather than defend itself in court.

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