Media Monitor: Karen Attiah Wins Arbitration Against Washington Post; Fox News Adds Emily Compagno to 'The Five'

Poynter is reporting that columnist Karen Attiah won her arbitration case against The Washington Post, which had fired her last year over social media posts. An arbitrator ordered the Post to rehire Attiah, ruling the newspaper "did not have good and sufficient cause" for termination and that it had "violated" its labor agreement. Attiah said she hopes the ruling "sends a message to journalists and media institutions everywhere that freedom of expression is always worth fighting for." The New York Times said a Post spokeswoman declined further comment, stating the company respects the arbitration process. Attiah was fired in September after making social media posts about gun violence following the shooting death of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. The Post accused her of "gross misconduct" and violating social media policies.

Poynter is also reporting that Fox News announced Emily Compagno will join "The Five" as a full-time co-host, filling the seat vacated by Jeanine Pirro. Compagno, who has co-hosted "Outnumbered" since 2018, will begin her new role Sept. 8. Variety noted that "The Five" has been the most-watched program on cable news for 19 consecutive quarters.

Poynter is reporting on a CNN report that Jeanine Pirro's office, as interim U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, has struggled to secure convictions in federal cases. CNN detailed a series of mistrials and acquittals, including cases involving alleged MS-13 leaders. Poynter also noted reports that President Donald J Trump publicly criticized Pirro after she dropped charges related to damage to the Reflecting Pool, saying she "choked" and "folded like an umbrella."

Poynter is reporting that CNN experienced technical difficulties Monday, going off air for nearly 40 minutes. The network and other Warner Bros. Discovery channels were affected. CNN's Dana Bash apologized on air for the interruption.

Poynter is reporting that California Attorney General Rob Bonta canceled a meeting with Paramount leaders regarding the company's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. Bonta stated Paramount leaked and misrepresented settlement discussions, demonstrating a lack of good faith. Paramount said it was not the source of the leak and remains open to good faith discussions. The Wall Street Journal had reported Bonta was expected to seek divestment of cable channels and a commitment to keep the movie studio separate.

Poynter also highlighted several media tidbits, including Amaris Castillo's piece on Daniel Pearl's murder for The Poynter 50, BuzzFeed layoffs cutting HuffPost's national desk to three reporters, Margaret Sullivan's Substack piece on midterm election coverage, and Jimmy Traina's departure from Sports Illustrated to Underscore Media.