Poynter is reporting that Meta has reached a landmark settlement of up to $18 billion with 47 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories over claims its social media platforms endangered children through addictive features. CNN said the $18 billion represents a fraction of Meta's $200 billion revenue last year. The New York Times reported that Meta agreed to significant changes, including limiting users under 18 to two hours per day on Facebook and Instagram, blocking access from midnight to 6 a.m., and restricting notifications during school hours. It also said forced breaks will be implemented for extended sessions, and parents can opt for chronological feeds and prevent young users from seeing likes. Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, involved in negotiations, called the relief meaningful. The Wall Street Journal said Meta's legal chief, C.J. Mahoney, noted this settlement marks alignment between a major social media platform and regulators. The Washington Post reported the settlement came more than a week into a major trial in Oakland, California, where Meta faced allegations of purposefully addicting children and teens. The Associated Press said the deal, if approved, will halt state litigation against Meta, providing funds for children's mental health programs. The New York Times explained that Meta's full payout depends on whether other social media companies like Snap, TikTok and YouTube also settle. Mahoney stated an industrywide solution is needed as teens use many apps.
Poynter also highlighted challenges in age verification for social media companies. The New York Times reported that Meta will invest more in age verification technology to identify and remove users under 13. It also noted a global movement to restrict social media for children, with countries like Australia implementing bans that have seen mixed results due to workarounds.
In other news, Poynter reported that Karoline Leavitt, stepping down as White House press secretary, will appear live on NewsNation's "Morning in America." NewsNation said Leavitt will discuss balancing motherhood with her White House role and her future plans. CBS News reported that White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles is searching for a replacement, with no front-runners yet, and CNN's Scott Jennings is now considered unlikely for the position.
Poynter is reporting that Texas Christian University's football program has revoked the media credentials for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. The Star-Telegram said the ban stemmed from its coverage of a locker room fight that led to a player's dismissal. TCU athletics stated the credentials were pulled because the coverage resulted in threats to a student-athlete. The Star-Telegram clarified it did not identify the player until he identified himself in a social media video. Awful Announcing noted the Star-Telegram is the only publication with a dedicated full-time staff covering TCU football. The Football Writers Association of America president, Shehan Jeyarajah, strongly disagreed with TCU's decision, and other journalists have backed the Star-Telegram.
ESPN is removing the BottomLine ticker during live college football games, Poynter reported. Front Office Sports confirmed the move, which applies to games on ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, SEC Network, ACC Network, ESPNU and ESPNEWS. An ESPN spokesperson told Front Office Sports the change aims for a cleaner presentation, keeping focus on the field. The ticker will still appear at specific times, and programming updates will be in the upper right corner of the screen.
Poynter reported the death of Pulitzer Prize-winning Associated Press photographer Slava "Sal" Veder, who died last week at age 99. The Associated Press said Veder's 1973 photo of Lt. Col. Robert L. Stirm's reunion with his family after being a Vietnam War prisoner of war is among the most famous American photographs. The Guardian quoted Veder saying the emotion of the reunion was palpable. The Associated Press noted the photo symbolized the end of U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War, though Stirm and his wife divorced a year later.
Poynter also highlighted tributes for country music legend Dolly Parton, who died Tuesday at age 80. The New York Times pop music critic Lindsay Zoladz's appreciation and Jon Bream's piece for the Minnesota Star Tribune were noted for their superb writing. ABC reported its special, "Dolly Parton: An American Original," drew more than 4 million viewers.