Media

Elez Biberaj was acting director of Voice of America until Tuesday, when he accepted a demotion rather than retire.

Politics & Government

VOA Director Forced Aside In Drive To Embed Trump Loyalists Before Biden Era

9:31pm December 08, 2020

by David Folkenflik

U.S. Agency for Global Media CEO Michael Pack removed Acting Voice of America Director Elez Biberaj, part of a broad effort to install Trump supporters before the Biden administration comes to power.

Ikea says it is ending its famous catalog of home furnishings after a 70-year run, citing changes in how people shop and how they consume media.

World News

'Emotional But Rational': Ikea Discontinues Its Long-Running Catalog

4:42pm December 07, 2020

by Bill Chappell

After decades of saying "hej" to the world, it's time for Ikea's famous catalog to say "adjö." But many fans say they're disappointed by the move.

Science

Researcher Cites Uptick In COVID-19 Vaccine Misinformation

4:56pm December 05, 2020

NPR's Michel Martin speaks with Claire Wardle, U.S. director of the non-profit First Draft News, about online misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines.

Elvis Presley receives a polio vaccine in New York City in 1956 in an effort to inspire public confidence in the vaccine. The Ad Council says it will be recruiting trusted influencers for its campaign around the coronavirus vaccine.

Health & Safety

And Now For An Important Message: Convincing You To Get The Coronavirus Vaccine

4:35pm December 04, 2020

by Ari Shapiro

Some Americans say they don't want to be vaccinated against the coronavirus. NPR's Ari Shapiro talks with the Ad Council's CEO about public health messaging and ways to reach vaccine skeptics.

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Zsolt Jeszenszky, creative director of Hungary's Pesti TV, hosts his talk show, Political Hobbyist. In Trump's refusal to concede, he hears a message for European nationalists: "If there is a system that's against you, you should fight, and you should not

World News

Pro-Populist Media In Eastern Europe Promote Trump's Baseless Voter Fraud Claims

3:39pm December 04, 2020

by Joanna Kakissis

Media that are supportive of leaders in Hungary, Poland and Slovenia either repeat the false claims or suggest President-elect Joe Biden is part of a vast liberal conspiracy to stifle conservatives.

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Conservative Businesses Seize Opportunity To Capitalize On Trump's Refusal To Concede

5:03pm December 03, 2020

President Trump's refusal to concede has widened a rift between his supporters and mainstream media. And that has created a gold rush for some conservative businesses.

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Jimmy Lai, publisher of the China-skeptic Apple Daily newspaper, is seen in custody in Hong Kong on Thursday. Charged with fraud, he can expect to be in custody until at least April 16, when his case will be heard next.

World News

Hong Kong Media Mogul Jimmy Lai Denied Bail For Alleged Fraud

10:35am December 03, 2020

by Colin Dwyer

The decision means at least five more months in custody for Lai, who publishes a prominent pro-democracy newspaper. His arrest comes amid a sweeping crackdown on dissent in Hong Kong.

Tired Of The Social Media Rat Race, Journalists Move To Writing Substack Newsletters

9:39pm December 02, 2020

by Bobby Allyn

The San Francisco startup has doubled its writers since the pandemic started. Some high-profile journalists have left full-time jobs at major publications to give it a go at the buzzy newsletter.

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The headquarters of the U.S. government's premier international broadcaster, Voice of America, in Washington, D.C.

Politics & Government

'Substantial Likelihood Of Wrongdoing' By VOA Parent Agency, Government Watchdog Says

7:46pm December 02, 2020

by David Folkenflik

The U.S. Special Counsel ordered the U.S. Agency for Global Media to conduct a sweeping internal investigation, after finding a "substantial likelihood of wrongdoing" toward the Voice of America.

President Trump tweeted late Tuesday that he is considering vetoing the must-pass defense authorization bill unless Congress approves changes to the legal shield that protects tech companies from liability from third-party content.

Trump Vows To Veto Defense Bill Unless Shield For Big Tech Is Scrapped

10:58am December 02, 2020

by Jaclyn Diaz

The president wants Congress to repeal Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act, a provision that provides legal protection for tech companies.