Category: Newsletters

NewsGuard & Censorship Update

 July 2026 Report

Inside This Edition:

• Florida Doubles Down Against Media Blacklists
• NewsGuard Takes Media Blacklisting into the AI Era
• Bipartisan Senate Bill Targets Government-Driven Censorship
• NewsGuard & Censorship Media Roundup

OVERVIEW

Momentum continues to build in the fight against media blacklisting.

This month’s newsletter highlights several major victories, including Florida’s decision to renew its anti-media blacklist protections for a second consecutive year and bipartisan legislation in Congress aimed at preventing government officials from coercing private companies into censoring lawful speech.

At the same time, new challenges are emerging. NewsGuard has entered the AI space with a chatbot and is licensing its ratings to AI companies. This raises new concerns that media blacklisting is evolving beyond advertising into the information Americans receive through artificial intelligence.

As policymakers increasingly recognize the dangers of government-backed censorship and viewpoint discrimination, IMC remains committed to ensuring that independent and conservative media have a voice in these critical debates. Thank you for your continued partnership as we work together to protect free speech and a free press.

GOVERNMENT

Florida Doubles Down Against Media Blacklists

Florida has once again reaffirmed its leadership in the fight against media blacklisting.

Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the state’s 2026-27 budget, preserving a provision that prohibits state agencies from contracting with advertising firms that use politically biased media monitors such as NewsGuard, Ad Fontes Media, and the Global Disinformation Index (GDI). This marks the second consecutive year the provision has been included in the state budget.

“Gov. DeSantis has once again demonstrated Florida’s leadership in defending free speech and viewpoint diversity,” said IMC spokesperson Christine Czernejewski. “By signing this provision for a second year, Florida is sending a clear message that taxpayer-funded advertising should be focused on reaching the broadest possible audience, not filtered through politically motivated media blacklist systems.”

Florida initially adopted the provision in 2025, becoming one of the first states in the nation to address the growing influence of biased media-monitoring organizations on advertising markets. By extending the policy for a second consecutive year, Florida is demonstrating that protecting taxpayer dollars from politically motivated media blacklists is an ongoing priority.

The state’s action comes as momentum continues to build nationwide. West Virginia recently enacted the First Amendment Preservation Act, Congress included anti-censorship protections in the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act, and the Federal Trade Commission has increased scrutiny of viewpoint discrimination within the advertising industry.

Florida’s leadership provides another model for policymakers seeking to ensure taxpayer-funded advertising is guided by effectiveness, not ideological ratings.

See the IMC’s press release here.

NewsGuard Takes Media Blacklisting Into the AI Era

NewsGuard has announced the launch of NewsGuard AI, a chatbot that promises to answer users’ questions using only news sources NewsGuard has deemed “reliable.”

Given NewsGuard’s long record of assigning poor ratings to conservative outlets, IMC members should be alarmed, especially based on an early analysis of the chatbot.

According to the Washington Free Beacon, NewsGuard AI relied heavily on left-leaning sources when answering politically sensitive questions, omitted many conservative perspectives, and even suggested there may be as many as 72—or an “infinite” number of—genders.

Further, NewsGuard is licensing its data to AI companies to train their chatbots against “misinformation.” In other words, NewsGuard is training AI to only use its preferred sources and steer it away from those that are not aligned with progressive ideology.

Media Research Center – an IMC member – recently conducted an analysis of how major AI platforms assess news outlets. They found that every AI they tested – except Grok – treated notoriously leftist outlet The Guardian as reliable. Yet the other AI chatbots almost universally condemned right-of-center sources.

This represents a new frontier in media blacklisting. Instead of simply influencing advertisers or government agencies, NewsGuard is now positioning itself to influence what AI tells millions of users is a “credible” news source.

As AI rapidly becomes a primary gateway to news and information, the stakes are only getting higher. The IMC will continue to provide updates on this evolving issue. In the meantime, we encourage IMC members to cover this development.

See NewsGuard’s announcement here.

Bipartisan Senate Bill Targets Government-Driven Censorship

A bipartisan group of senators led by US Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) has introduced S. 4749, the Justice Against Weaponized Bureaucratic Overreach to Networked Expression (JAWBONE) Act. The legislation is designed to prevent government agencies and officials from pressuring private companies to suppress lawful speech.

The proposal is particularly significant for Independent Media Council members, many of whom have experienced the effects of government-backed censorship efforts firsthand.

The JAWBONE Act would create new legal remedies for individuals and organizations harmed by such conduct and would increase transparency around government communications with social media platforms, advertisers, AI companies, and other intermediaries. The legislation follows a series of legal battles and congressional investigations examining whether federal agencies have improperly encouraged private actors to restrict speech that the government could not constitutionally suppress itself.

The IMC has sent a letter of support for the JAWBONE Act to Senators Cruz and Wyden, stating that there is “a growing consensus that government should not facilitate or incentivize censorship.”

Yet despite this progress, significant gaps remain.

“Government officials can still exert pressure behind the scenes, using informal communications, funding relationships, regulatory leverage, or public threats to induce private actors to suppress speech that government could not constitutionally prohibit on its own,” IMC’s letter stated.

The JAWBONE Act represents a potentially important step toward ensuring that government agencies cannot use third parties to silence disfavored viewpoints or manipulate the flow of information in the public square.

Read bill text of the legislation here.

Read the IMC’s letter in support of the legislation here.

MEDIA ROUNDUP

Florida Just Showed Us How to Fight Back Against Media Blacklists

The Daily Signal by Rob Bluey, 7/07/26 (Also appeared in RealClearPolitics)

https://www.dailysignal.com/2026/07/07/florida-media-blacklists-newsguard/

DeSantis Signs Anti-Censorship Law for Second Straight Year

Newsmax by Newsmax Wires, 7/02/26 (Also appeared in RealClearPolitics)

https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/ron-desantis-blacklisting-censorship/2026/07/02/id/1261581/

Victory: SCOTUS Ruling Protects Trump’s Power to Fire Gov Censors

MRC by Gabriel Pariseau, 7/2/26

https://mrcfreespeechamerica.org/blogs/free-speech/gabriela-pariseau-amanda-evans/2026/07/02/victory-scotus-ruling-protects-trumps

Gemini Staunchly Defends Foreign Leftist Outlet, Goes After Right Media

MRC by Tom Olohan, 6/29/26

https://mrcfreespeechamerica.org/blogs/free-speech/tom-olohan/2026/06/29/gemini-staunchly-defends-foreign-leftist-outlet-goes-after

Nebraska Joins FTC and Coalition of States in Promoting Competition in the Digital Advertising Ecosystem

Office of Mike Hilgers, Nebraska Attorney General, 6/30/26

https://ago.nebraska.gov/nebraska-joins-ftc-and-coalition-states-promoting-competition-digital-advertising-ecosystem

A Media Watchdog Released an AI ‘Fact-Checker.’ It Says There May be 72 Genders

Washington Free Beacon by Aaron Sibarium, 6/26/26

https://freebeacon.com/media/a-media-watchdog-released-an-ai-fact-checker-it-says-there-may-be-72-genders/

I Co-Founded Wikipedia. Now I’m Banned for Life

The Free Press by Larry Sanger, 6/26/26

https://www.thefp.com/p/larry-sanger-wikipedia-co-founder-banned

Back GOP AGs Kobach, Rokita, Sunday and Oppose Nexstar Merger

Newsmax by Dick Morris, 6/19/26

https://www.newsmax.com/morris/merger-nexstar-tegna/2026/06/19/id/1260246/

A Media Watchdog is Helping to Train AI Models. It Says Chinese Propaganda is more Reliable than Many American News Sources

Washington Free Beacon by Aaron Sibarium, 6/18/26

https://freebeacon.com/media/a-media-watchdog-is-helping-to-train-ai-models-it-says-chinese-propaganda-is-more-reliable-than-many-american-news-sources/

Two Senators Offer a Bipartisan Solution to Censorship by Proxy

Reason by Jacob Sullum, 6/11/26

https://reason.com/2026/06/11/two-senators-offer-a-bipartisan-solution-to-censorship-by-proxy/

Inside This Edition:

• Fla. Makes Law Anti-Blacklist

• NewsGuard Appeals FTC

• Apple Hits Conservatives

• NewsGuard & Censorship Media Roundup

• See the IMC press release

Florida Lawmakers Move to Block State Use of Media Ratings Firms

Daily Signal by Karly Tucker, 6/4/26

https://www.dailysignal.com/2026/06/04/florida-to-block-media-blacklists/

(Also picked up by RealClearPolitics)

NewsGuard Wants Appeal Over FTC ‘Retaliation’ Fast Tracked

Law 360 by Matthew Perlman, 5/29/26

https://www.law360.com/articles/2483463/newsguard-wants-appeal-over-ftc-retaliation-fast-tracked

Mike Benz, 5/24/26

NewsGuard & Censorship Update

May 2026 Report

Inside This Edition:

• NewsGuard’s Ties to Southern Poverty Law Center Draw Scrutiny
• Ad Giants Drop “Brand Safety” Standards, FTC Alleges Collusion
• New Report Shows Wikipedia Editors Buried SPLC Indictment Amid Bias Concerns
• Nexstar-TEGNA Merger Faces Backlash from Free Speech Advocates
• NewsGuard & Censorship Media Roundup

OVERVIEW

This month brought major developments in the fight against viewpoint discrimination, and the use of “misinformation” and “brand safety” tools to shape public discourse.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reached settlements with major advertising firms over coordinated “brand safety” standards allegedly used to stop “misinformation.” The FTC alleged firms like NewsGuard and the Global Disinformation Index (GDI) used this misinformation designation as a means to promote the demonetization of certain political viewpoints.  

NewsGuard is also under scrutiny for its ties to the Southern Poverty Law Center (SLPC), which is under federal indictment. Meanwhile, a Media Research Center report found Wikipedia editors minimized coverage of the SPLC indictment, underscoring growing criticism over the site’s bias against conservative media outlets.

Finally, the proposed Nexstar-TEGNA merger continues to face significant backlash from free speech advocates who warn it would further concentrate control over local television news and reduce viewpoint diversity nationwide.

Read on for more and visit IMCAmerica.com for further resources and membership information.

GOVERNMENT

NewsGuard’s Ties to Southern Poverty Law Center Draw Scrutiny

NewsGuard has faced renewed scrutiny over reported ties to the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), after investigative reporter Paul Sperry highlighted claims that NewsGuard has relied on SPLC materials and designations in evaluating media outlets and organizations. Critics argue the relationship raises concerns about ideological bias because the SPLC has long been accused of labeling mainstream conservative and religious groups as “extremist.”

The issue comes as the SPLC itself faces significant legal and regulatory scrutiny. In April, the U.S. Department of Justice announced an 11-count federal indictment alleging wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, and false statements tied to the SPLC’s use of paid informants embedded within extremist groups. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall has also launched a separate civil investigation into the organization..

Critics say the developments raise broader questions about whether media-rating and “misinformation” firms such as NewsGuard should rely on organizations facing active investigations and longstanding accusations of ideological targeting when assessing the credibility of news outlets.

Ad Giants Drop “Brand Safety” Standards, FTC Alleges Collusion

The FTC has reached a proposed settlement with major advertising holding companies—including Dentsu, Publicis Groupe, and WPP—requiring them to discontinue coordinated “brand safety” standards that regulators say distorted the advertising marketplace and suppressed certain viewpoints.

According to the complaint, the agencies allegedly colluded to impose uniform brand-safety rules that steered advertising dollars away from platforms deemed to contain “misinformation,” effectively creating exclusion lists that disadvantaged certain publishers. Notably, the FTC cites the firms’ reliance on data from entities such as NewsGuard and GDI to “promote the demonetization of disfavored political viewpoints.” The FTC further argues that this coordination undermined competition in the ad-buying marketplace.

“The ad agencies’ brand-safety conspiracy turned competition in the market for ad-buying services on its head,” FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson said in a statement, adding, “The antitrust laws guarantee participation in a market free from conduct, such as economic boycotts, that distort the fundamental competitive pressures that promote lower prices, higher quality products and increased innovation.”

Subsequently, the FTC has withdrawn its demand for information from NewsGuard, citing the recent settlements. In light of those agreements, the FTC indicated the information request is no longer necessary and that NewsGuard’s legal challenge to the demand is now effectively moot.

New Report Shows Wikipedia Editors Buried SPLC Indictment Amid Bias Concerns

A new report from the Media Research Center (MRC) found that Wikipedia editors downplayed and buried information related to the Southern Poverty Law Center’s (SPLC) recent federal indictment. According to the report, editors pushed references to the SPLC indictment deep into the organization’s Wikipedia page while allegedly giving far more prominent placement to investigations involving conservative individuals and organizations.

The report points to the SPLC’s April federal indictment on 11 counts tied to alleged wire fraud, false statements, and money laundering conspiracy stemming from the organization’s use of paid informants within extremist groups. MRC researchers found that Wikipedia editors removed or minimized references to the case across multiple pages, including content related to the Unite the Right rally.

The controversy highlights broader concerns about ideological bias on Wikipedia, particularly given the platform’s outsized influence on Google search results and AI-generated summaries.

Nexstar-TEGNA Merger Faces Backlash from Free Speech Advocates

The proposed merger between Nexstar Media Group and TEGNA continues to face mounting legal and political scrutiny despite receiving approval from the Federal Communications Commission in March.

The FCC approved the $6.2 billion deal by granting Nexstar waivers to exceed longstanding national and local television ownership caps, arguing broadcasters need greater scale to compete with streaming platforms and national media giants. However, the merger would create unprecedented concentration in local television news, with the combined company potentially reaching roughly 80% of U.S. television households.

Opposition has come from a broad coalition that includes DirecTV, labor groups, state attorneys general, and conservative organizations concerned about media consolidation and rising retransmission fees. Critics argue the merger would reduce viewpoint diversity, increase consumer cable bills, and give Nexstar outsized leverage in both local news and carriage negotiations.

The merger also remains tied up in court. Multiple antitrust lawsuits were filed shortly after FCC approval, including actions from several states and DirecTV. A federal judge subsequently issued orders temporarily halting further integration of the two companies while litigation proceeds, citing concerns the merger is “likely to violate antitrust laws.”

MEDIA

Nexstar Posts Record Results, on Target for $2 Billion in Profts

By Newsmax Wires, 5/11/26

https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/nexstar-tegna-merger/2026/05/11/id/1255900/

WIKI-BIAS EXPOSED: Wikipedia Editors Scramble to Bury SPLC Indictment

MRC by Tom Olohan, 5/7/26

https://mrcfreespeechamerica.org/blogs/free-speech/tom-olohan/2026/05/07/wiki-bias-exposed-wikipedia-editors-scramble-bury-splc

FTC Withdraws Demand for Information from NewsGuard

MediaPost by Wendy Davis, 4/17/26

https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/414415/ftc-withdraws-demand-for-information-from-newsguar.html

Special Report: 83% Left v. 15% Right – Yahoo News Most Bipolar Big Four News App in March

MRC by Heather Moon, Michael Morris, 4/16/26

https://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/free-speech/heather-moon/2026/04/16/special-report-83-left-vs-15-right-yahoo-news-was-most

FTC: Dentsu, Publicis, WPP to Discontinue ‘Brand Safety’ Standards

MediaPost by Wendy Davis, Joe Mandese, 4/15/26

https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/414325/ftc-dentsu-publicis-wpp-to-discontinue-brand-s.html

State Dept Settles with Conservative Media Outlets that Sued for Censorship During Biden Admin: ‘Never Again’

NY Post by Josh Christenson, 4/10/26

https://nypost.com/2026/04/10/us-news/state-dept-settles-with-conservative-media-outlets-that-sued-for-censorship-of-covid-election-posts/

NewsGuard & Censorship Update

 April 2026 Report

Inside This Edition:

• New West Virginia Law Strikes Censorship Groups Targeting Conservatives
• Legal Victory Restricts State Dept’s Use of Media Monitors; Exposes Govt Censorship of Conservative Media
• Judge Signals Skepticism in NewsGuard Case Against FTC Probe
• Landmark Settlement Delivers Blow to Government-Backed Social Media Censorship
• Federal Judge Halts Nexstar Merger as Legal Challenges, Criticism Mounts
• News Advertising Isn’t the Risk Advertisers Think It Is
• NewsGuard & Censorship Media Roundup

OVERVIEW

April marked a decisive turning point in the fight against media blacklists, as independent and conservative outlets scored a series of major victories against the entrenched censorship apparatus propped up by government actors and ideological ratings firms.

West Virginia dealt a direct blow to this system by enacting the First Amendment Preservation Act (SB 531), cutting off the use of taxpayer dollars to fund advertising schemes filtered through groups like NewsGuard and the Global Disinformation Index.

At the federal level, a sweeping legal settlement with the U.S. Department of State exposed and dismantled a key pillar of the censorship regime. The agreement prevents the State Department from supporting the censorship of American media outlets and restricts its use of media monitors.

In another significant development, a federal judge signaled clear skepticism toward NewsGuard’s attempt to shut down an FTC investigation, allowing scrutiny of its practices to move forward. Additional legal victories are placing new constraints on the federal government’s ability to collude with Big Tech to silence dissenting voices.

With momentum building and more states and regulators poised to act, the pushback against NewsGuard-style blacklists is accelerating into a full-scale rollback of the censorship industrial complex.

The IMC continues to monitor and support these efforts. Thanks to our members for staying in the fight. Please consider renewing your membership or joining today at IMCAmerica.com!

GOVERNMENT

New West Virginia Law Strikes Censorship Groups Targeting Conservatives

Independent and conservative media scored a big free speech victory when West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey signed the First Amendment Preservation Act (SB 531) into law early this month. The measure, supported by the IMC, ensures that taxpayer-funded advertising in West Virginia cannot be filtered through politically biased media monitors.

The legislation, sponsored by State Senator Mike Azinger and passed by the West Virginia Legislature with overwhelming support on March 13, prohibits state agencies from contracting with advertising firms or marketing companies that use so-called “media reliability” or “misinformation” monitors to determine where public advertising dollars may be placed.

The bill specifically targets agencies using groups like leftwing organizations like NewsGuard and GDI.

“Governor Morrisey deserves tremendous credit for standing up for free speech and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are never used to enforce ideological media blacklists,” said Christine Czernejewski, IMC spokesperson said in a statement.

“We also want to thank Sen. Azinger and Delegate Holstein for their commitment to getting this bill passed. By signing SB 531 into law, West Virginia is making clear that diverse voices should be heard and that public funds are used to ensure that all citizens are informed, not a narrow political group.”

SB 531 demonstrates how states can protect free expression, ensure responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars, and maintain a vibrant and diverse media ecosystem. The IMC believes it is a model for other states and expects more to follow suit with similar measures.

See the IMC’s press release.

Legal Victory Restricts State Dept’s Use of Media Monitors; Exposes Govt. Censorship of Conservative Media

A major First Amendment case brought by The Federalist, The Daily Wire, and the State of Texas has resulted in a sweeping settlement with the U.S. Department of State that prevents it from supporting the censorship of American media outlets. The agreement prohibits the State Department from funding, promoting, or coordinating efforts to suppress lawful speech or label domestic outlets as “disinformation.”

The case shed light on a broader network of third-party organizations and tools—including groups like NewsGuard and the Global Disinformation Index (GDI)—that were used to rate and, in some cases, financially disadvantage news outlets through advertiser pressure.

Under the settlement, the State Department is not only significantly limited in its ability to target speech, but also from working through outside groups or technologies to censor or demonetize constitutionally protected speech. The agreement establishes long-term oversight and compliance measures, marking a significant constraint on government-backed “censorship industrial complex” and preventing future administrations from engaging in such activities.

Judge Signals Skepticism in NewsGuard Case Against FTC Probe

A federal judge is signaling reluctance to block a sweeping Federal Trade Commission investigation into NewsGuard.

According to Courthouse News, U.S. District Judge Dabney Friedrich appeared unconvinced that NewsGuard had met the high bar required to halt the probe, allowing the FTC’s inquiry into the company’s business practices to move forward.

NewsGuard has argued the investigation is politically motivated, but the FTC’s probe raises broader questions about transparency, accountability, and the real-world impact these firms have on the news ecosystem.

The case comes as scrutiny grows over the role of media ratings firms in shaping the ad market, particularly whether their scoring systems unfairly disadvantage certain outlets and limit access to advertising revenue.

Landmark Settlement Delivers Blow to Government-Backed Social Media Censorship

Federal officials now face new limits on their ability to pressure social media platforms to suppress lawful speech following legal developments stemming from a landmark First Amendment case.

Murthy v. Biden challenged federal officials’ coordination with social media platforms to suppress lawful speech. The lawsuit alleged that Biden Administration officials in the White House, Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency worked with major tech platforms to pressure them into removing or downranking content related to COVID-19, elections, and other political topics.

Among the plaintiffs was Jay Bhattacharya, now head of the National Institutes of Health, whose views on COVID-19 policy were suppressed during the pandemic.

After the Supreme Court dismissed the case on standing grounds, the New Civil Liberties Alliance continued to represent individual plaintiffs. Recent settlements and legal agreements involving those plaintiffs have imposed limits on how certain federal agencies communicate with social media companies.

Following these developments, Bhattacharya wrote on X that the outcome represents a “major victory for free speech” and a critical step toward preventing the government from pressuring platforms to silence dissenting scientific and political viewpoints.

The case was originally brought by then–Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt. Reacting to the outcome, Schmitt said on X that the lawsuit exposed government collusion with Big Tech to “silence” Americans and called the result a major First Amendment victory.

• Read the NCLA’s Settlement Announcement

Federal Judge Halts Nexstar Merger as Legal Challenges, Criticism Mounts

A federal judge has temporarily blocked Nexstar Media Group’s $6.2 billion acquisition of Tegna, marking a significant escalation in the legal and political battle over one of the largest media consolidation efforts in U.S. history.

In granting a temporary restraining order, the court found that plaintiff DirecTV is likely to succeed in its antitrust claims, concluding the merger could “substantially lessen competition” in local television markets and drive higher costs for consumers.

DirecTV argued the deal would dramatically increase Nexstar’s leverage in negotiations with cable and satellite providers, enabling the company to demand higher retransmission fees and impose more frequent blackouts—costs that would ultimately be passed on to Americans.

The ruling comes amid a wave of opposition.

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, rebuked the FCC for approving the merger without a full commission vote. “I believe it should have been a full commission vote,” Sen. Cruz said, raising concerns that regulators bypassed proper process to waive statutory ownership limits.

Senators Cruz and Cantwell (D-WA), the committee’s ranking member, sent a letter to FCC Chair Brendan Carr, stating that the agency’s action “raises serious concerns about the Commission’s use of delegated authority in matters involving significant legal, policy, and economic consequences.”

A coalition of state attorneys general has filed suit to block the merger, while Newsmax and six state cable associations have challenged the FCC’s approval in federal court.  The National Religious Broadcasters (NRB), CPAC and the Zionist Organization of America (ZOA), have filed amicus curiae briefs supporting the petitioners.

Experts warn the deal would give Nexstar reach into roughly 80% of U.S. households—far exceeding the long-standing 39% ownership cap set by Congress.

The court also credited arguments that the merger could reduce local news competition and lead to newsroom consolidation, layoffs and diminished viewpoint diversity.

News Advertising Isn’t the Risk Advertisers Think It Is

The advertising industry’s core assumption that news content is unsafe for brands is wrong.

According to a 2025 Advertising Impact Study, 57% of self-described news junkies—about a quarter of the US population – are following the news more closely than before. What’s more is that 43% of the broader U.S. population reports consuming more news than a year ago.

Despite surging news consumption, advertisers continue to use media monitors, resulting in ad dollars being directed away from news platforms due to overly broad “brand safety” concerns.

But the data tells a different story. As a recent Adweek column argues, news environments deliver higher engagement, longer attention, and stronger brand recall than many other forms of digital content.

The disconnect is clear: as audiences increasingly turn to trusted news sources, ad spending continues to flow elsewhere.

MEDIA

NCLA, Daily Wire, The Federalist

Clip on NewsGuard/GDI’s Impact, 4/1/26

https://x.com/nclalegal/status/2039347659639591140?s=46&t=G03lWia6XTIMr8KilO2lig

The Daily Wire Wins Landmark Free Speech Victory in Censorship Lawsuit Against State Department

The Daily Wire by Luke Rosiak, 4/1/26

https://www.dailywire.com/news/state-dept-reaches-censorship-settlement-with-daily-wire

The Federalist Scored a Huge Win for Free Speech – and Exposed More of the Censorship Industrial Complex

The Federalist by Margot Cleveland, 4/1/26

https://thefederalist.com/2026/04/01/the-federalist-scored-a-huge-win-for-free-speech-and-exposed-more-of-the-censorship-industrial-complex/

Sens. Cruz, Cantwell Hit FCC’s Carr on Nexstar Merger

Newsmax Wires, 4/1/26

https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/ted-cruz-maria-cantwell-fcc/2026/03/31/id/1251416/

US Judge Orders Nexstar to Hold Tegna Separate Pending Review

Reuters by David Shepardson, 3/27/26

https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/us-judge-orders-nexstar-hold-tegna-separate-pending-review-2026-03-28/

Finally, Good News. Free Speech Wins Big in Court

Racket News by Matt Taibbi, 3/25/26

https://www.racket.news/p/finally-good-news-free-speech-wins?triedRedirect=true

The Trump Administration’s First Amendment Promise

Washington Post Editorial, 3/25/26

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2026/03/25/social-media-censorship-consent-murthy-missouri-doj/

Ted Cruz Criticizes FCC on Nexstar Merger, No Full Vote

Newsmax Wires, 3/24/26

https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/ted-cruz-fcc-nexstar/2026/03/24/id/1250658/

Media Research Center: Google News Massively Biased, Just 2% of Top Morning Stories From Conservative Outlets

Breitbart by Lucas Nolan, 3/18/26

https://www.breitbart.com/tech/2026/03/18/media-research-center-google-news-massively-biased-98-of-top-morning-stories-from-left-leaning-outlets/

Bill Targeting ‘Media Monitors’ Heads to the West Virginia Governor’s Desk

The Daily Signal by Fred Lucas, 3/17/26

https://www.dailysignal.com/2026/03/17/bill-targeting-media-monitors-heads-to-the-west-virginia-governors-desk/

Apple News goes from 0% to 2% content from right-leaning outlets after FTC pushback

Washington Times by Valerie Richardson, 3/9/26

https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/mar/9/apple-news-goes-0-2-content-right-leaning-outlets-ftc-pushback/?utm_medium=subscriber&utm_source=Boomtrain&utm_campaign=evening&utm_content=paywall&bt_ee=Lph%2FArkwdNUWf1DqceoS%2FW%2Bv9N2VJ8SF%2F54zXAADDwD5ZHDTi2F9c3ue7qqqyvBM&bt_ts=1773089432731

Everything You Know About News Advertising is Wrong

Adweek By Lou Paskalis, 3/4/26

https://www.adweek.com/brand-marketing/everything-you-know-about-news-advertising-is-wrong/

Judge Signal Reluctance to Block Broad FTC Probe NewsGuard Calls Retaliation

Courthouse News Service by Ryan Knappenberger, 3/4/26

Judge signals reluctance to block broad FTC probe NewsGuard calls retaliation

NewsGuard & Censorship Update

March 2026 Report

Inside This Edition:

• West Virginia Senate Passes Bill to Block State Use of Media Monitors
• States Push Back on Ideological Blacklists in Ad Spending
• Feeling Pressure, NewsGuard Sues FTC Over Investigation into Its Practices
• FTC Warns Apple About Major Bias on its News App Following Study
• Senate Commerce Hearing Reveals Lawmakers Side with Congressional Authority on Broadcast Caps
• National Religious Broadcasters Address Censorship of Conservative Media at Annual Conference
• NewsGuard & Censorship Media Roundup

OVERVIEW

This month saw another victory in the fight against taxpayer-funded censorship and media blacklisting. In West Virginia, the state Senate overwhelmingly passed the First Amendment Preservation Act, a bill that prevents that state from contracting with media monitors or companies that use them.

Policymakers are increasingly recognizing that modern censorship doesn’t usually come through direct bans, but through intermediaries and opaque gatekeeping mechanisms that shape who gets heard and who gets cut off. The good news is that they also want this activity to stop. Across the country, activity is heating up in the states as lawmakers move to keep public advertising dollars from being routed through ideologically driven monitoring systems.

At the same time, pressure continues to mount at the federal level, where regulators, lawmakers, and the public are paying closer attention to how platforms, media monitors, and consolidated media power influence news distribution and advertising decisions. Ongoing scrutiny of rating services, platform bias, and broadcast consolidation reflects a growing concern about transparency, accountability, and the health of the information ecosystem itself. Together, these developments point to a shift in how the free speech debate is being waged in 2026—not just defending individual voices, but confronting the systems that control reach, revenue, and legitimacy in today’s media landscape. Keep reading for the latest developments.

GOVERNMENT

West Virginia Senate Passes Bill to Block State Use of Media Monitors

The West Virginia Senate delivered a major win for a free press and local economies in the Mountain State, passing the First Amendment Preservation Act (SB 531) by an overwhelming 30–2 vote.

The bill blocks state agencies and contractors from using politically biased media rating and monitoring services that function as de facto blacklists, steering taxpayer-funded advertising based on ideology rather than performance and reach.

The IMC praised the Senate’s action, noting the measure strengthens First Amendment protections while supporting a healthy, independent media ecosystem and local economies.

“This is an important step towards strengthening the First Amendment and ensuring good stewardship of taxpayer dollars,” said IMC spokesperson Christine Czernejewski. “West Virginia lawmakers are standing up for a free and independent press while also strengthening local economies. We especially want to thank Sen. Mike Azinger for his leadership in spearheading this bill.”

The IMC is now urging the West Virginia House of Delegates to take up SB 531 and help set a national example for protecting free speech and viewpoint diversity in media.

• See IMC’s press release
• See State Sen. Mike Azinger’s op-ed in Parkersburg News and Sentinel
• See the IMC’s op-ed in Lootpress

States Push Back on Ideological Blacklists in Ad Spending

The Florida House of Representatives passed a provision in the state budget that blocks state agencies from contracting with advertising firms that rely on partisan media monitoring services.

Last year, Florida lawmakers enacted—and Governor Ron DeSantis signed—a similar budget provision. That move marked a major victory for free speech, viewpoint diversity, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

The IMC believes lawmakers should pass it again this year to ensure these protections remain in place and to reaffirm Florida’s leadership on this issue.

Building on the momentum, South Carolina is also considering a budgetary provision to prevent state advertising dollars from being influenced by ideologically driven rating and monitoring services.

The IMC will keep you informed on developments in the states on this issue.

Feeling Pressure, NewsGuard Sues FTC Over Investigation into Its Practices

NewsGuard is pushing back against a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) investigation by suing the agency in federal court. In its complaint, NewsGuard claims the FTC’s year-long probe and demands for internal documents are unconstitutional and amount to retaliation.

But many observers — including a recent editorial in the New York Post — argue that the FTC’s scrutiny is justified and overdue given longstanding concerns that NewsGuard and similar media monitors act as censors.

The FTC’s willingness to investigate these practices — rather than defer to private media monitors — reflects growing recognition of the need for greater transparency and accountability in how advertising decisions are influenced and how public dollars are spent.

FTC Warns Apple About Major Bias on its News App Following Study

The Federal Trade Commission has formally warned Apple and CEO Tim Cook about evidence that its Apple News app displays significant ideological bias, based on new research showing the platform consistently favors left-of-center outlets while minimizing conservative and independent news sources. The FTC letter suggests that if Apple represents its service as a neutral news aggregator but presents a skewed editorial outcome, it could run afoul of the FTC Act’s prohibition on unfair or deceptive practices.

This development follows in-depth analysis by the Media Research Center (MRC) – an IMC member – which documented systemic imbalances in how Apple News curates content. According to MRC’s research, stories from conservative and non-mainstream outlets are far less likely to appear prominently, even when those stories are widely circulated elsewhere. In fact, MRC found no top stories from conservative sources were featured in January 2026, while 440 stories were classified as left-leaning.

“For too long, platforms like Apple News have cloaked editorial favoritism in the language of neutrality,” said Dan Schneider, Senior Vice President at the Media Research Center. “Our research shows that what Apple presents as a fair news feed is anything but. We’re grateful to see the FTC scrutinizing practices that distort the information landscape and undermine viewpoint diversity.”

When a dominant platform with millions of users shapes what news people see — without clear standards or oversight — the implications extend far beyond market competition and into the heart of democratic discourse.

Senate Commerce Hearing Reveals Lawmakers Side with Congressional Authority on Broadcast Caps

A recent Senate Commerce Committee hearing made clear — with rare bipartisan agreement — that the 39% national TV ownership cap was set by Congress, and regulators cannot rewrite it on their own. Lawmakers from both parties emphasized that any change to the cap must come from Congress, and that major decisions affecting it should be made by the full FCC in a formal vote, not at the bureau level.

Newsmax CEO Chris Ruddy testified at the hearing, arguing that the cap serves as an important check against excessive consolidation. Ruddy warned that efforts to reinterpret or relax the rule could undermine local media diversity and overstep congressional authority.

“If the FCC tries to rewrite the law without congressional approval, we’re prepared to take that all the way to the Supreme Court,” said Ruddy.

Ruddy’s comments came in the context of Nexstar Media Group’s proposed $6 billion acquisition of Tegna, a deal that would push Nexstar past the existing ownership threshold. His testimony underscored the view that any action affecting the cap — including merger reviews — must be rooted in law and transparent process.

Representatives of the National Association of Broadcasters also testified, generally advocating for modernized ownership rules, but the hearing’s bipartisan tone made it clear that any such changes face considerable procedural and legal hurdles.

National Religious Broadcasters Address Censorship of Conservative Media at Annual Conference

The National Religious Broadcasters addressed the censorship of Christian media at their annual conference, held last month in Nashville. A panel titled, “Religious Censorship: Where Are We in the Current Environment?” examined the growing pressures facing faith-based voices in today’s media and tech landscape.

The discussion featured American Principles Project senior fellow Alexis Wilkins, National Review columnist Caroline Downey, Family Research Council President Tony Perkins, and The Daily Signal President Rob Bluey—who also serves as IMC’s treasurer—with The Daily Signal’s Tyler O’Neil moderating.

Panelists explored how religious viewpoints are increasingly sidelined or restricted across digital platforms, advertising channels, and public discourse—and what that means for free expression, pluralism, and the future of faith in the public square.

Bluey focused on the blacklisting of conservative and Christian media by media monitoring services like NewsGuard, warning that these rating systems are being used as ideological gatekeepers that quietly cut off lawful outlets from advertising and distribution. The conversation highlighted both the scope of the problem and the growing pushback against censorship of faith-based voices.

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MEDIA

Stop Taxpayer-Funded Censorship in West Virginia

The Parkersburg News and Sentinel by State Sen. Mike Azinger

https://www.newsandsentinel.com/opinion/local-columns/2026/02/op-ed-stop-taxpayer-funded-censorship-in-west-virginia/

State Department Works to Revoke Visa of UK operative Who Allegedly Censored The Federalist, Other Americans

The Federalist by Paul D. Thacker, 2/23/26

https://thefederalist.com/2026/02/23/state-department-works-to-revoke-visa-of-u-k-operative-who-allegedly-censored-the-federalist-other-americans/

Media Censorship of Christians Still a Problem, Says Panel

The Washington Stand by S.A. McCarthy, 2/20/26

https://washingtonstand.com/article/media-censorship-of-christians-still-a-problem-says-panel

Protect Local Voices and Businesses: Keep Taxpayer Ads Out of Ideological Blacklists

Lootpress by IMC’s Christine Czernejewski, 2/19/26

https://www.lootpress.com/protect-local-voices-and-businesses-keep-taxpayer-ads-out-of-ideological-blacklists/

Big Four News Apps, Including Apple News, Go Silent on FTC Apple Rebuke

MRC by Catherin Salgado, 2/19/26

https://mrcfreespeechamerica.org/blogs/free-speech/catherine-salgado/2026/02/19/big-four-news-apps-including-apple-news-go-silent

West Virginia Senate Passes Bill to Block Media Monitors

Newsmax by Charlie McCarthy, 2/17/26

https://www.newsmax.com/politics/west-virginia-senate-bill/2026/02/17/id/1246442/

FTC Must Keep Up the Fight Against NewsGuard and Its ‘Disinformation Graft’

NY Post Editorial, 2/17/26

https://nypost.com/2026/02/17/opinion/ftc-must-keep-up-the-fight-against-newsguard-and-its-disinformation-graft/

Dershowitz, Linehan, Kirk Honored at RealClearPolitics 2026 Samizdat Prize Gala

RealClearPolitics Video, 2/17/26

https://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2026/02/17/dershowitz_linehan_kirk_honored_at_realclearpolitics_2026_samizdat_prize_gala.html

State Fires a Shot Against ‘Blacklisting’ Conservative Media

Daily Signal by Fred Lucas, 2/15/26

https://www.dailysignal.com/2026/02/15/this-state-fires-a-shot-against-blacklisting-conservative-media/

FTC Chairman Warns Political Bias in Apple News App May Violate Consumer Protection Laws

NY Post by Thomas Barrabi, 2/11/26

https://nypost.com/2026/02/11/business/ftc-chairman-warns-that-political-bias-in-apple-news-app-may-violate-consumer-protection-laws/

Senators Reaffirm 39% Broadcast Cap at Hearing on FCC Broadcast Rule

By Newsmax Wires, 2/10/26

https://www.newsmax.com/politics/fcc-senate-hearing/2026/02/10/id/1245653/

Rating Site Sues Trump Admin Over Probe of Alleged Suppression of Conservative Media

Daily Signal by Fred Lucas, 2/9/26

Rating Site Sues Trump Admin Over Probe of Alleged Suppression of Conservative Media

Europeans Testify on How Europe is Banning Americans from Saying What They Beliece

The Federalist by Joy Pullman, 2/4/26

https://thefederalist.com/2026/02/04/europeans-testify-on-how-europe-is-banning-americans-from-saying-what-they-believe/

NewsGuard & Censorship Update

February 2026 Report

Inside This Edition:

• West Virginia Introduces Bill to Block State Use of Media Monitors
• FTC Continues Investigation; NewsGuard Pushes Back
• House Vote Preserves Taxpayer-Funded Censorship Pipeline
• Religious Broadcasters Warn FCC Against TV Consolidation; Senate Commerce Hearing on Impact of Lifting Broadcast Caps on Feb 10
• RealClear Announces Samizdat Prize Winners, Exemplars of Free Speech Courage
• Join IMC’s Fight to Protect the Free Press
• NewsGuard & Censorship Media Roundup

OVERVIEW

This month’s IMC report highlights efforts at the state and federal levels to confront taxpayer-funded censorship and media blacklisting. From new legislation in West Virginia aimed at blocking state reliance on partisan media monitors to growing resistance against broadcast consolidation, the fight over free speech infrastructure is intensifying.

We also spotlight RealClearPolitics’ announcement of its 2026 Samizdat Prize winners, honoring individuals who have demonstrated exceptional courage in defense of the First Amendment, as well as key developments in how censorship continues to shape advertising, public policy, and access to information.

Together, these developments underscore a central reality: censorship today rarely looks like government bans—it operates through ratings systems, financial pressure, and intermediaries, often with public funds. IMC remains focused on exposing and dismantling these mechanisms to protect a genuinely free and independent press.

GOVERNMENT

West Virginia Introduces Legislation to Block State Use of Media Monitors

Legislation was introduced in West Virginia this month to prohibit state ads from going to companies that use politically biased media monitors such as NewsGuard. The IMC supported bills, SB. 531 and HB 4746, will stop this form of taxpayer-funded censorship, which distorts advertising markets and limits viewpoint diversity.

The West Virginia proposal follows action taken in Florida last year, where lawmakers enacted—and Gov. Ron DeSantis signed—a budget provision prohibiting state agencies from working with advertising firms that rely on partisan media monitoring services. That move – backed by the IMC – was widely viewed as a model for states seeking to safeguard taxpayer dollars from being used to enforce ideological speech controls.

With growing scrutiny of media monitors at both the federal and state levels, IMC expects additional states to introduce similar legislation in the coming months as policymakers move to protect free speech, restore balance in public advertising, and ensure state funds are not funneled through biased intermediaries.

FTC Continues Investigation, NewsGuard Pushes Back

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is pressing forward with its investigation into alleged advertising boycotts of conservative websites. The inquiry examines whether digital advertising groups coordinated actions to withhold ad revenue from certain media outlets — conduct the FTC says may raise legal questions under antitrust law.

A central point in the dispute involves NewsGuard, which supplies media-reliability ratings widely used by advertisers. On January 15, FTC staff reiterated requests for detailed information, including the identities of NewsGuard’s customers and communications with them, as well as related documents. In response, NewsGuard filed a petition on January 16 seeking to overturn or quash the agency’s information request, arguing it infringes on its First Amendment rights by compelling disclosure of speech-related activities.

The IMC will continue to monitor and report on developments surrounding this investigation.

House Vote Preserves Taxpayer-Funded Censorship Pipeline

Earlier this month, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 291–127 to reject an amendment that would have defunded the National Endowment for Democracy (NED)—a congressionally funded nonprofit tied to the censorship and demonetization of conservative voices.

During consideration of a January 14–15 government funding package, Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ) introduced an amendment to eliminate NED’s more than $300 million annual budget. The effort failed after 81 Republicans joined 210 Democrats to preserve funding.

As documented in a recent report by Foundation for Freedom Online (FFO), NED—originally created during the Cold War to support democracy abroad—has, since 2016, helped finance the global “counter-disinformation” industry that directly censors American speech. Most notably, NED funded the Global Disinformation Index (GDI), a British organization that built advertiser blacklists targeting conservative U.S. media outlets, including Newsmax, The Federalist, The Daily Wire, The Blaze, RealClearPolitics, and the New York Post.

According to FFO, in reports to NED, GDI bragged that its efforts helped reduce President Trump’s reach on social media while he was still in office and contributed to an estimated $70 million revenue loss for targeted outlets. Financial blacklisting of disfavored media has since become one of the most powerful tools of modern censorship.

NED has also bankrolled the development of foreign censorship regimes in places like the European Union and Brazil—regimes that are now exerting pressure on American platforms and speakers, despite such restrictions being unconstitutional in the United States.

By voting to continue funding NED, Congress chose to preserve a largely opaque, taxpayer-funded operation that has played a documented role in censoring conservative speech. The vote underscores how difficult it remains to unwind the censorship infrastructure that now operates through nonprofits, advertisers, and foreign governments—often with U.S. taxpayer support.

• See FFO Report

Religious Broadcasters Warn FCC Against TV Consolidation; Senate Commerce Hearing on Impact of Lifting Broadcast Cap on Feb. 10

The National Religious Broadcasters (NRB)—representing more than 1,100 Christian broadcasters and media organizations—has filed with the FCC opposing any effort to lift the national television ownership cap, warning that massive consolidation would endanger conservative and faith-based voices.

NRB’s filing places the influential organization in direct opposition to the proposed Nexstar–Tegna merger, which would create the largest TV station group in U.S. history. The group cautioned that removing the 39% national ownership cap would undermine competition, localism, and viewpoint diversity—especially harming independent and mission-driven broadcasters.

NRB also stressed that any change to the ownership cap must be made by Congress, not the FCC. Legal scholars have echoed this view, noting that the cap was set by statute and that the FCC lacks the authority to unilaterally eliminate or weaken it.

The filing adds to growing conservative opposition to broadcast consolidation, including from lawmakers  –  most recently Rep. Elise Stefanik – and media organizations concerned that further concentration would give a handful of large, often liberal-leaning companies outsized control over local news and programming.

The US Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation will hold a hearing on the caps on February 11.

• See NRB FCC Filing Here
• See Stefanik Letter Opposing Nexstar

RealClear Announces Samizdat Prize Winners; Exemplars of Free Speech Courage

RealClearPolitics has announced the 2026 winners of its Samizdat Prizes, honoring individuals who have demonstrated exceptional courage in defense of the First Amendment and free expression. The awards will be formally presented at the Samizdat Prize Gala on February 11, 2026, at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida, as part of RealClear’s 25th anniversary celebration.

The Samizdat Prizes take their name from samizdat—the underground publishing networks in the Soviet Union that circulated banned writing—symbolizing the enduring fight for free speech in the face of censorship and institutional pressure.

This year’s winners are:

• Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, recognized posthumously for his outspoken advocacy for free speech and viewpoint diversity.
• Alan Dershowitz, Harvard Law School professor and civil liberties advocate, honored for a long record of defending free expression even under pressure.
• Graham Linehan, the Irish comedy writer known for his contentious clashes with cancel culture and defense of speech rights.

Through these awards, RealClear spotlights journalists, writers, scholars, and public figures who have stood firm for open debate and viewpoint diversity despite professional or personal cost. Click here for details about the Samizdat Prizes.

Join IMC’s Fight to Protect the Free Press

The Independent Media Council works to defend free speech and a free press at the structural level—where modern censorship increasingly operates. Today, speech is often suppressed through media monitoring firms and advertiser blacklists that stigmatize and financially starve lawful media outlets based on ideology. These opaque systems quietly shape which voices are heard, often with the involvement of taxpayer dollars.

IMC confronts this censorship through coordinated advocacy, legislative engagement, and public accountability. In just one year, IMC has helped drive meaningful progress at both the state and federal levels, with growing momentum nationwide. We invite current members to renew and new supporters to join us. Learn more here!

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MEDIA

FTC Extends Ad Boycott Probe a Judge Said Violates Free Speech

Bloomberg by Leah Nylen, 1/22/26

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-01-22/ftc-extends-ad-boycott-probe-a-judge-said-violates-free-speech?embedded-checkout=true

UK’s ‘Disinformation’ Control Still Censorship

Newsmax by Duvi Honig, 1/20/26

https://www.newsmax.com/duvihonig/bbc-working-only/2026/01/20/id/1242879/

Religious Broadcasters Urge FCC to Keep TV Caps

Newsmax Wires 1/19/26

https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/religious-broadcasters-fcc-tv-caps/2026/01/19/id/1242748/

Buckle Up: Will Apple-Google Deal Pave Way for Most Sinister AI Yet?

MRC By Catherine Salgado 1/16/26

https://mrcfreespeechamerica.org/blogs/free-speech/catherine-salgado/2026/01/16/buckle-will-apple-google-deal-pave-way-most-sinister

RealClear Samizdat Prize Gala Celebrates First Amendment Courage – and RCP’s 25^th Anniversary

RealClear Politics by David DesRosiers, 1/10/26

https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2026/01/10/realclear_samizdat_prize_gala_celebrates_first_amendment_courage_rcps_25th_anniversary_153697.html

January 2026 Report

Inside This Edition:

Congress Blocks Media Monitors in 2026 Defense Bill, a Free Speech Win

Media Research Center: Apple News is Suppressing Right-Leaning Media

CPAC to Feds: Lifting Broadcast Caps Would Hurt Viewpoint Diversity, Local News

Join IMC’s Fight to Protect a Free Press, Free Speech in the New Year

NewsGuard & Censorship Media Roundup

With this action, Congress has ensured that ideologically slanted gatekeepers will have no role in military recruitment campaigns.

Senators Tommy Tuberville and Eric Schmitt in the Senate and Rep. Rich McCormick, as well as Armed Services Chairmen Sen. Roger Wicker and Rep. Mike Rogers spearheaded the effort. Their leadership ensured that protections for free speech remain firmly in the NDAA.

The IMC urges Congress to continue denying federal funds to ad agencies that engage in censorship.

·       See IMC’s press release

·       Read the NDAA Anti-Censorship Provision:

 SEC. 1555. CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENT REGARDING CONTRACTING

FOR MILITARY RECRUITING.

(a) CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENT. Prior to the Secretary of

Defense entering into any contract or other agreement (or extending,

renewing, or otherwise modifying an existing contract or other

agreement) with an entity for the purpose of that entity placing

military recruitment advertisements on behalf of the Department

of Defense, the Secretary shall require, as a condition of such

contract or agreement, that the entity certify to the Secretary

that the entity does not—

1.                      rate or rank news or information sources for the factual accuracy of their content;

2.                      provide ratings or opinions on news or information sources regarding misinformation, bias, adherence to journalistic standards, or ethics; or

3.                      acquire or use any service that provides any ratings, rankings, or opinions described in paragraph (1) or (2) from any other person for military recruiting contracts.

(b) SUNSET.—The requirement under this section shall terminate on December 31, 2030.

Media Research Center: Apple News Suppresses of Right-Leaning Media

·       See MRC’s report here.

CPAC to Feds: Lifting Broadcast Caps Would Hurt Viewpoint Diversity, Local News

The Independent Media Council stands for free speech and the free press. That means pushing back against media monitoring organizations that blacklist, stigmatize, and financially starve independent and conservative media outlets. Groups like NewsGuard and similar ratings firms act as ideological gatekeepers—pressuring advertisers, platforms, and government agencies to cut off lawful media voices based on subjective and opaque standards.

IMC confronts this censorship head-on through coordinated advocacy, policy engagement, and public accountability. In one year, we’ve had significant victories at both the federal and state levels – and we’re just getting started.

As we head into the new year, we ask that our current members sign up for a renewal and that prospective members join us. The fight against media blacklisting is ongoing—and we are strongest when we work together. Click here to join!

MEDIA

Zombie-like Pols and Officials want to Eat Your Brain – and Destroy Free Speech

NY Post by James Bovard, 1/5/26

https://nypost.com/2026/01/05/opinion/zombie-like-pols-and-officials-want-to-eat-your-brain-and-destroy-free-speech/

Newsmax Urges FCC to Block Nexstar Merger, Cites Legal Violations

By Newsmax Wires, 1/1/26

https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/newsmax-nexstar-block/2026/01/01/id/1240469/

‘We are the Free World Now’ – Europe Declares War on Free Speech in the US

The Hill by Jonathan Turley, 12/27/25

https://thehill.com/opinion/civil-rights/5663912-we-are-the-free-world-now-europe-declares-war-on-free-speech-in-the-us/

Wikipedia’s Jimmy Wales Claims No Ban on Right-Leaning Sources, Describes One Anyway

MRC by Tom Olohan, 12/19/25

https://mrcfreespeechamerica.org/blogs/free-speech/tom-olohan/2025/12/19/wikipedias-jimmy-wales-claims-no-ban-right-leaning-sources

NDAA’s Anti-Censorship Provision Protects Free Speech

By Newsmax Wires, 12/17/25 (Also ran in RealClear Politics)

https://www.newsmax.com/us/congress-ndaa-newsguard/2025/12/16/id/1238509/

Ted Cruz Tells FCC to Avoid Moves That Could ‘Chill’ Protected Speech

Washington Times by Tom Howell Jr., 12/17/25

https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/dec/17/ted-cruz-tells-fcc-avoid-moves-could-chill-protected-speech/

CPAC Urges FCC to Preserve TV Ownership Caps, Limit Big Networks

By Newsmax Wires, 12/17/25

https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/fcc-cpac-media-ownership-cap/2025/12/17/id/1238702/

December 2025 Report

Inside This Edition:

• Congress Closer to Blocking Biased Media Monitors in FY2026 NDAA

• U.S. Taxpayer Funds Channeled into Global ‘Information Disorder’ Initiative
• FCC Considers Lifting Broadcast Caps, Threatening Viewpoint Diversity
• NewsGuard & Censorship Media Roundup

• See FFO’s report: US Bankrolled BBC’s Media Action’s Global Initiative Against ‘Information Disorder’

CNN’s Scott Jennings Rips Kara Swisher for Claiming Censorship of The Post’s Hunter Biden Laptop Story Was ‘Politics’

The NY Post by Ariel Zilber, 11/24/25

https://nypost.com/2025/11/24/media/cnns-scott-jennings-rips-kara-swisher-for-defending-censorship-of-hunter-biden-laptop-story/

Trump Says ‘No Expansion’ for Big TV Networks, Supports Newsmax

Newsmax Wire, 11/23/25

Https://www.newsmax.com/us/fcc-nextstar-media/2025/11/23/id/1235753/

The Culture Wars Didn’t ‘Come For Wikipedia.’ Wikipedia Is Fueling Them With Lies

The Federalist by Mary Vought, 11/19/25

https://thefederalist.com/2025/11/19/the-culture-wars-didnt-come-for-wikipedia-wikipedia-is-fueling-them-with-lies/

Newsmax CEO Ruddy: FCC Lifting TV Cap ‘Disaster’ for Conservatives

Newsmax, 11/19/25

https://www.newsmax.com/newsmax-tv/newsmax-ruddy-fcc/2025/11/19/id/1235187/

EXCLUSIVE: George Soros Gave $250K to British Group Working To Censor Conservative News Sites and ‘Kill Musk’s Twitter’

The Free Beacon by Chuck Ross, 11/17/25

Https://freebeacon.com/democrats/exclusive-george-soros-gave-250k-to-british-group-working-to-censor-conservative-news-sites-and-kill-musks-twitter/

Scalia Legal Scholar: FCC Has ‘No Authority’ to Lift TV Ownership Cap

Newsmax, 11/17/25

https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/fcc-brendan-carr-tv/2025/11/17/id/1234953/

Wikipedia Co-Founder Larry Sanger Calls for Action Against Encyclopedia’s Outrageous Policies

MRC Free Speech, Tom Olohan, 11/17/25

https://mrcfreespeechamerica.org/blogs/free-speech/tom-olohan/2025/11/18/wikipedia-co-founder-larry-sanger-calls-action-against

NewsGuard & Censorship Update

November 2025 Report

Inside This Edition:

• Senate Hearing Exposes Government Pressure on Big Tech to Censor Media
• Senate Blocks Biased Media Monitors in 2026 National Defense Authorization Act
• Wikipedia in the Spotlight for Bias and Ties to NewsGuard
• Report: Microsoft Misled Sen. Cruz; Promotes NewsGuard Through Search Coach
• IMC Refreshes its Website, Making it a One-Stop-Shop for Media Censorship Info
• NewsGuard & Censorship Media Roundup

OVERVIEW

The fight to expose government-backed censorship gained fresh momentum this month. The U.S. Senate Commerce Committee’s latest hearing, “Shut Your App: How Uncle Sam Jawboned Big Tech into Silencing Americans,” pulled back the curtain on how federal agencies worked hand in glove with major tech companies to suppress lawful speech, especially that of conservative media. Testimony from witnesses couldn’t have been clearer: government officials leaned on private firms to do what the Constitution forbids them to do directly.

At the same time, the Senate advanced a provision in the FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act to block the Pentagon from contracting with firms that rely on politically biased media monitors. The measure includes an enforcement mechanism to ensure compliance, a reform the IMC has long championed. And new reports revealed how major platforms, from Wikipedia to Microsoft, continue to support biased monitors like NewsGuard, embedding ideological bias into classrooms, search tools, and digital reference platforms.

The IMC is also pleased to share that it has refreshed its website, Imcamerica.com, so that you can find relevant news and resources to assist you in the fight for free speech and a free press. Read about that and more in this issue of the IMC’s NewsGuard and Censorship Update.

GOVERNMENT

Senate Hearing Exposes Government Pressure on Big Tech to Censor Media

The Senate Commerce Committee held a held a hearing examining evidence that federal agencies coordinated with major technology companies to suppress lawful speech. Throughout “Shut Your App: How Uncle Sam Jawboned Big Tech into Silencing Americans,” lawmakers probed how “jawboning”—the practice of government officials informally pressuring private firms—led to widespread censorship of political viewpoints, particularly from conservative outlets. The hearing featured testimony from journalists, policy experts, and media executives who detailed how federal influence quietly shaped online discourse under the guise of combating misinformation.

Sean Davis, co-founder and CEO of The Federalist, delivered some of the hearing’s most striking testimony, describing how his publication was directly targeted by federal officials for censorship. Davis testified that a government department called the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and its partners acted as “de facto censors,” flagging content from conservative outlets and coordinating with social media companies to suppress or demonetize it. He warned that this covert collusion between government and Big Tech “posed the greatest threat to free speech in modern history.”

Davis also emphasized that the censorship campaign had real economic consequences, noting that social media platforms’ actions—taken at the government’s behest—cost The Federalist and similar outlets millions in lost traffic and revenue. He argued that the suppression was not about public safety but political control, designed to marginalize dissenting media and entrench establishment narratives. “Our government used private companies to do what it could not legally do itself,” Davis said, adding that such coordination “strikes at the heart of the First Amendment.”

Committee members signaled that additional oversight and legislative action may follow to prevent similar abuses. The hearing underscored growing bipartisan concern over the lack of accountability in federal communications with social media firms and highlighted the need for clear legal barriers to government-driven censorship.

• Link to the Senate Commerce Committee hearing
• Watch Davis’ opening statement on RealClearPolitics
• Read Davis’ opening statement

 Senate Blocks Biased Media Monitors in 2026 National Defense Authorization Act

The US Senate passed the FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) with a critical provision that prevents the Department of Defense from contracting with advertising firms that rely on biased media monitoring services in military recruiting campaigns.

This year’s NDAA provision, authored by US Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) is even stronger than the one Congress adopted in 2023, as it includes an enforcement mechanism that ensures compliance and prevents workarounds by advertising firms.

The House version of the NDAA includes the same measure. The two Chambers will conference to reconcile their versions of the bill before voting on final passage later this year.

Wikipedia in the Spotlight for Bias and Ties to NewsGuard

Wikipedia has come under renewed scrutiny for political bias and its growing alignment with the censorship industry. A new report from the Foundation for Freedom Online (FFO) adds to existing evidence that the site’s editorial hierarchy increasingly suppresses viewpoints outside of establishment consensus while elevating sources tied to government-funded “disinformation” networks.

According to FFO, this is no accident. Wikipedia’s founder, Jimmy Wales, serves as an advisor to NewsGuard. Their report shows how Wikipedia’s editors routinely cite NewsGuard and similar gatekeeping groups to determine which outlets are deemed “trustworthy,” effectively merging the encyclopedia’s content moderation with the censorship industry’s worldview. As a result, entire perspectives—from skepticism of government COVID policies to criticism of global climate accords—are marginalized or erased under the banner of “misinformation.”

FFO warns that Wikipedia’s entanglement with NewsGuard and other disinformation contractors represents a profound conflict of interest. The group calls for full transparency around Wikipedia’s editorial partnerships and funding influences, noting that “truth cannot be outsourced to government contractors and their media allies.”

• Read the Full Report

Fair Election Fund Report: Microsoft Misled Sen. Cruz, Promotes NewsGuard Through “Search Coach,” and Cooperates with CCP Censorship

A new report by The Fair Election Fund, titled Corporate Influence and Concerns with Election Integrity, puts a spotlight on Microsoft for misleading Sen. Ted Cruz and the U.S. Senate when company representatives claimed that it had ended its relationship with NewsGuard. In reality, Microsoft continues to promote NewsGuard through its “Search Coach” education platform, a tool embedded in Microsoft Teams for Education and marketed to K-12 schools.

Within the platform, students are directed to use NewsGuard as a “reliable” and “objective” fact-checking service—an arrangement the report says effectively institutionalizes NewsGuard’s ideological bias in classroom media-literacy training.

The report further documents Microsoft’s cooperation with the Chinese Communist Party’s censorship apparatus, citing independent analyses that show Bing suppresses search results on politically sensitive topics—including Tiananmen Square, Uyghur persecution, and democracy movements—to comply with Beijing’s speech controls. The Fair Election Fund warns that these practices, developed for China, are seeping into Microsoft’s broader content-moderation framework, “importing censorship norms incompatible with American free-speech principles.”

• See the report: FEF_Microsoft Report
• Read a related article: Opinion: Microsoft Lied to Sen. Ted Cruz About NewsGuard, Continued Censorship Push

IMC Refreshes its Website, Making it a One-Stop-Shop for Media Censorship Info

The IMC has updated its website to make it easier for you to find media censorship information. All newsletters and press releases can now be found on the site, as well as membership information. We encourage you to share the site with influencers and policy makers who want to learn more about this issue.

With 2026 coming soon, please consider either renewing your membership or joining. As you know, we’ve made great progress this year to fight against the blacklisting of independent and conservative media. We’ve had tangible wins from Congress to state Capitols, but as the November newsletter shows, we have much more to accomplish.

Visit us at imcamerica.com

MEDIA

Google Lackey Doubles Down on Censorship in Appalling Hearing

MRC by Tom Olohan, 10/29/25

https://mrcfreespeechamerica.org/blogs/free-speech/tom-olohan/2025/10/29/watch-google-lackey-doubles-down-censorship-appalling

Microsoft Lied to Sen. Ted Cruz About NewsGuard, Continued Censorship Push

The Dallas Express by David Dunmoyer, 10/26/25

OPINION: Microsoft Lied To Sen. Cruz About NewsGuard, Continued Censorship Push

FCC’s Carr: No Decision Yet on Lifting TV Ownership Limits

Newsmax 10/29/25

https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/fcc-brendan-carr-television/2025/10/28/id/1232265/

The Knight Foundation: A $100 Million Censorship Behemoth that Partnered with USAID

Foundation for Freedom Online, 10/22/25

The Knight Foundation: A $100M Censorship Behemoth That Partnered With USAID – Foundation for Freedom Online

Real America’s Voice and the Real Cost of Free Speech

RealClearPolitics by David DeRosiers, 10/19/25

https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2025/10/19/real_americas_voice_and_the_real_cost_of_free_speech_153422.html 

Davis: Inside the Government Conspiracy to Shut Down The Federalist for Wrongthink

The Federalist by Sean Davis, 10/8/25

https://thefederalist.com/2025/10/08/davis-inside-the-government-conspiracy-to-shut-down-the-federalist-for-wrongthink/