June Lockhart, known for her roles as a mother figure on television, has passed away at the age of 100. She was most famous for her role as Ruth Martin in “Lassie” and as Maureen Robinson in “Lost in Space.” Lockhart also appeared in various films and continued to act in episodic television throughout her career, including “Petticoat Junction” and several soap operas. Her portrayals of warm, caring mothers endeared her to generations of viewers.
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Merit Street Media, the anti-woke television network and streaming service founded by Dr. Phil McGraw, has filed for bankruptcy just over a year after its launch. The network, which aimed to combat the perceived “cultural ‘woke’ assault,” filed for Chapter 11 protection in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Texas after experiencing significant financial struggles. The company, which partnered with Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), is also suing TBN for failing to meet its distribution commitments. Despite the bankruptcy filing, Merit TV continues to operate as of Thursday morning.
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Loretta Swit, famed for her Emmy-winning portrayal of Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on the iconic TV series *M.A.S.H.*, passed away at 87. Swit, alongside Alan Alda, was a long-standing cast member of the hit show, which ran for eleven years and garnered critical acclaim, including a Peabody Award. She significantly evolved the character of Houlihan, transforming her from a one-dimensional caricature into a complex and relatable woman, reflecting the growing feminist movement of the 1970s. Following *M.A.S.H.*, Swit remained active in the entertainment industry and dedicated herself to animal welfare advocacy.
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President Trump’s order to reopen Alcatraz as a maximum-security prison followed the airing of the film *Escape from Alcatraz* on his local television station. His subsequent social media posts and statements strongly suggest the movie influenced his decision, linking the prison to concepts of law and order. This decision, however, has been met with criticism from San Francisco officials who deem it nonsensical. Simultaneously, Trump announced a 100% tariff on foreign-made films, further highlighting the apparent connection between his media consumption and policy decisions.
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President Trump’s executive order effectively dissolved the US Agency for Global Media, including Voice of America (VOA), silencing a crucial counter to foreign disinformation after 83 years. This action, praised by Russian and Chinese state media, stands in contrast to the continued operation of RT and CCTV, which actively spread pro-Kremlin and pro-Beijing narratives. Meanwhile, the BBC World Service, facing initial budget cuts, received increased UK government funding to bolster its efforts against disinformation. The contrasting responses highlight the differing priorities and approaches to international broadcasting in the face of geopolitical competition.
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John Q. Hosedrinker