Poynter is reporting on the ongoing debate among television networks regarding whether to televise President Donald Trump's scheduled 9 p.m. Eastern address. It said the uncertainty stems from Trump's confirmation that his speech would partly concern the 2020 election, despite a lack of credible evidence for his claims. Poynter noted that CNN chief political analyst David Axelrod questioned if the speech would meet the high standard typically required for prime-time presidential addresses. It also highlighted former CNN anchor Jim Acosta's view that networks should not air what he called "crazy lies." Poynter mentioned that networks have previously declined to air speeches deemed "overtly political," citing instances with former Presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama.
Poynter is reporting that the Trump administration issued subpoenas to five New York Times journalists, demanding they reveal confidential sources for a story about security concerns with a Qatari-donated Boeing 747-8 jet intended for use as Air Force One. It said the administration also tried to block the story's publication. Poynter noted that Times executive editor Joe Kahn stated the reporting was crucial for public knowledge and viewed the subpoenas as an attempt to intimidate journalists. It said the Times filed a motion to quash the subpoenas, with its top lawyer, David McCraw, calling them "abusive and improper."
Poynter is reporting on CNN's coverage that FBI Director Kash Patel and White House chief of staff Susie Wiles are leading an investigation into leaks to the New York Times and other outlets. It said the investigation focuses on the Air Force One story, with some White House officials asked to turn over their phones, though not all have complied.
Poynter is reporting on a piece by its longtime colleague Al Tompkins concerning the Federal Communications Commission's upcoming Aug. 6 vote on a proposal that could significantly alter local TV ownership by relaxing limits on how many stations a single company can own. It said FCC Chairman Brendan Carr announced the vote in an op-ed for Breitbart, arguing that current ownership caps hinder local broadcasters from competing with "national programmers" like Disney and Comcast. It said Carr's proposal would technically maintain the 39% cap but allow "case-by-case" exemptions.
Poynter is reporting that David Smith, owner of The Baltimore Sun and executive chairman of Sinclair Broadcast Group, is threatening to sue Maryland Democratic Gov. Wes Moore. It said Semafor reported that Smith's attorney sent Moore a letter alleging potentially defamatory remarks made by Moore on MS NOW. Poynter said Moore had dismissed critical reporting by The Baltimore Sun as a political hit and attempted to link Smith to Jeffrey Epstein. It noted that Moore's attorney responded, asserting the governor's statement was "absolutely and indisputably true," citing Epstein's funds owning investments in Sinclair when Smith was chairman and CEO.