AGP Executive Report

Social Media Regulation: UK Technology Secretary Liz Kendall says parents overwhelmingly back an Australian-style ban for under-16s, with ministers weighing account restrictions plus app curfews and limits on addictive features. Legal & Media Branding: A US judge ordered President Trump’s name removed from the Kennedy Center and blocked a planned closure for repairs, arguing only Congress can rename the venue. US Politics & Diplomacy: Trump left a Situation Room meeting with Iran ceasefire and nuclear talks unresolved after a two-hour session, keeping key conditions in limbo. Retail Media: Walmart Connect expands offsite retail media buying via a partnership with Yahoo DSP and Magnite, aiming to make Walmart audience access and measurement easier for advertisers. Kids’ Safety Lawsuits: A Kentucky school district won nearly $27M in settlements from Meta, Snap, YouTube/Google and TikTok over claims platforms worsened student mental health. International Media & Press Freedom: Al Jazeera’s “Fault Lines” won multiple News & Documentary Emmy awards for investigative reporting, including work on children in Gaza. Tech & Defense: AUKUS nations announced a first Pillar 2 project to develop payloads for uncrewed undersea vehicles. Entertainment & Culture: Trump will headline the Great American State Fair’s opening on the National Mall after multiple music acts pulled out over concerns about ties to him.

Press Freedom & Safety: UNESCO’s chief condemned the killings of journalists Amal Khalil (Lebanon), Carlos Humberto Cal Ical (Guatemala), Mateo Pérez Rueda (Colombia) and RJ Nichole Ledesma (Philippines), renewing pressure for investigations and protections. Journalism Under Pressure: In Hong Kong, a court upheld the jailing of veteran journalist Ronson Chan for obstructing police, a move rights groups call a dangerous precedent. Media, Tech & Trust: A phishing campaign is targeting Signal users by impersonating “Signal Support” to steal backup recovery keys—highlighting how encrypted platforms can still be hit via social engineering. AI & Newsrooms: Malaysia’s National Journalists’ Day debate turned to whether “house style” still matters as AI-generated writing accelerates, with veterans arguing relevance and audience engagement must lead. Public Media Reform: Hungary is overhauling state media after years of pro-Orbán bias, with reforms aimed at restoring editorial independence. Policy & Platform Rules: The U.S.-China journalist visa spat escalated as Washington revoked a Xinhua correspondent’s visa after Beijing expelled a NYT reporter, keeping the media-access fight front and center. Local Health Coverage: India’s Ayushman Bharat now covers pre-admission medical tests done up to three days before hospital admission. Sports Media Moment: PSG vs Arsenal heads into the Champions League final in Budapest with major broadcast details and key injury updates driving pre-match coverage.

US-Iran Tensions: Iran’s Fars says Trump’s proposed Iran deal is “a mixture of truths and lies,” disputing key terms like nuclear material, Strait of Hormuz tolls, and demanding release of $12B in frozen assets. Media & Politics: The Trump administration revoked a Xinhua worker’s U.S. visa in a move tied to Beijing expelling a New York Times reporter, escalating reciprocal pressure on foreign press. Social Media Regulation: California advanced a bill to ban “addictive features” for kids under 16, while Australia’s under-16 social ban is already pushing teens toward alternative apps and VPNs. Sports Media Buzz: Detroit Tigers’ social accounts traded barbs with a radio host after Wenceel Perez’s homers and defensive miscue sparked online chatter. Canada Economy & Business: Canada’s GDP contracted in Q1 (technical recession debate), Scotiabank moves to expand in the U.S. via a Texas bank acquisition, and Costco says it will return some U.S. tariff refunds to members. Regional Trade Narrative: China’s Huangshan Dialogue pushed “RCEP 2.0” progress, with media framed as key to explaining trade impacts.

Media & Journalism Integrity: Malaysia’s Communications Minister and Works Ministry praised journalists on National Journalists’ Day, while the Malaysian Media Council (MMC) was described as a new self-regulation mechanism to tackle ethics, media freedom, AI pressures and social-media-driven complaints. Cybersecurity & Regulation: ENISA’s NIS360 report says cybersecurity maturity is improving across EU critical sectors under NIS2, but riskier areas like healthcare, railways, maritime, public administration and water utilities still lag. AI Governance in Business: EC-Council launched an Adopt. Defend. Govern. (ADG) AI Framework plus a free AI readiness self-assessment tool aimed at helping organizations operationalize AI securely and align with EU AI Act, ISO and NIST. Social Media for Minors: Minnesota signed a law requiring parental consent for under-16s to open social media accounts and banning autoplay video, infinite scroll and push notifications for minors. Media Ownership Dispute: Alpac Capital’s deal to buy United Group’s Adria News Network outlets (N1, Nova S, Vijesti, Danas) faces legal pushback from minority shareholders alleging the process threatens editorial independence. Sports/Entertainment Tech Angle: Foxconn shareholders approved a record cash dividend as AI-driven server demand boosts the company’s outlook.

Media & Democracy: A new study on the “hostile misinformation effect” finds people are more likely to judge misinformation as targeted at their own side when their politics align with the message—fueling distrust even when facts are the same. Local Journalism: A fresh discussion on why local news still matters ties the First Amendment to practical accountability: covering city halls, schools, public safety, and giving communities a voice when misinformation spreads online. CBS/60 Minutes Shakeup: CBS named tech journalist Nick Bilton as executive producer of “60 Minutes,” replacing Tanya Simon, as Bari Weiss pushes a streaming-and-digital push; the move follows a broader ratings slump and internal controversy. Scholarship Backlash: A student who received a CBS-funded Mike Wallace scholarship used his Emmy speech to criticize CBS’s “recent direction,” sparking mixed audience reactions. US-Iran Ceasefire Talks: Reports say the US and Iran reached a tentative 60-day ceasefire extension and nuclear talks framework, but Iranian media denies the MoU text is finalized—pending Trump sign-off and Iran confirmation. Social Media & Policy: A Philippine lawmaker backs right-to-information and digital anti-false-information bills as safeguards against information gaps. Sports Media: Fox News topped ABC in weekday primetime while CBS Evening News hit a historic low, underscoring the ongoing TV ratings war.

Media Policy & Trust: The Philippines House is moving two bills together—an expanded Right to Information Act and a Digital Media Anti-False Information Act—with supporters saying they’ll close “information gaps,” while critics warn the anti-disinformation law could be used to silence opponents. Sports Media Access: The NBA fined/flagged Victor Wembanyama for not speaking to reporters after a Spurs loss, underscoring how leagues police access rules. Advertising & Marcom: Sky signed an integrated World Cup ad deal with News UK, plugging Sky Glass across The Sun, Times Media and talkSPORT via video, podcasts, print and digital. AI in Industry: Mistral launched a physics-aware AI stack for industrial engineering, naming Airbus, BMW and EDF as early customers. Local News Business: Golden West and The Citizen are partnering to grow local coverage in Niverville with a refreshed online hub. Social Media & Youth: Cambodia’s information ministry is pushing “Say No to Fake News” media-literacy training, framing it as “vaccination” against misinformation. Courtroom/Media Rights: Italy’s lower house approved a bill letting cleared suspects demand media coverage of case closures. Tech & Scams: A U.S. passport-renewal scam story highlights how fake “official” pages can trap people.

Digital Media Crackdown: The Philippines’ House advanced a “Digital Media Anti-False Information Act” (HB 9465) that would punish deliberate disinformation with 6–12 years in prison and fines up to P2 million, drawing warnings it could be used to silence critics. Election Safety Push: Fiji’s information and policing ministers warned fake-news spreaders ahead of the 2026 election, citing Meta takedowns of two Facebook accounts and urging reporting through official channels. Media Policy Overhaul: Moldova endorsed a draft new media law to replace its 1994 press rules, aiming to modernize protections for pluralism, independence, transparency, and disinformation control. Brand-Safe News Buying: Streaming research from Wurl/AppLovin says only about 36% of ad-supported news scenes are fully brand-safe, with “death and harm” content the riskiest category. Press Freedom & Workplace Culture: A major global study finds 29% of media workers report sexual harassment, but 69% don’t report it—citing retaliation fears and weak systems. Tech + Journalism: International journalists visited Lenovo to see how AI is being built into products and enterprise tools. Local Media Business: Newburyport Daily News announced it’s selling its office building and moving to a new location.

Workplace Safety: A major international study finds sexual harassment is still widespread in media jobs, with 29% of workers reporting abuse and 69% of victims not reporting it—citing fear, weak systems, and low trust. Energy Shock: In the UK, Ofgem confirmed a steep rise in the energy price cap from July, adding over £220 a year to the typical household bill. Media Industry Shakeups: CBS News Radio has ended its century-old hourly news service, cutting off broadcasts to hundreds of stations, while Chicago radio anchor Jennifer Keiper signed off as the network went dark. Digital Media Tensions: Wix CEO Avishai Abrahami apologized to staff after reports of potential layoffs hit the press first, saying no final decisions are made yet. Sports & Celebrity: Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama skipped postgame media after Game 5, and Juventus are reportedly eyeing Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah on a free transfer.

Supreme Court, Big Tech: The U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear Meta’s bid to block Vermont’s lawsuit claiming Instagram was engineered to be addictive for teens, keeping the case alive as states escalate child-safety litigation. White House, Leaks: The Trump administration proposed new non-disclosure agreements for federal workers after media leak disputes, signaling a tougher stance on internal information. Media Labor, AI: Journalists at McClatchy-owned papers in Washington and Idaho went on a daylong strike over pay and protections against AI use. Local News Funding: Maryland Gov. Wes Moore vetoed a bill that would have forced state agencies to spend at least half of their advertising on local news outlets. Sports, World Cup: The U.S. World Cup roster is set, with Christian Pulisic included and midfield snubs like Diego Luna and Tanner Tessman drawing attention. NBA, Coaching: Pelicans introduce Jamahl Mosley with a clear defensive message. Weather/Community: Scattered storms hit parts of the U.S., while local festivals and youth events keep rolling.

Social Media Health Panic: Britain’s top doctors are urging ministers to treat social media like smoking—submitting that excessive exposure is harming children’s mental and physical health as a government consultation on protections for kids (ages 5–16) closes Tuesday, with calls for an under-16s ban and other limits. UK Housing Controversy: New figures show a record rise in England’s social housing placements going to higher-earning households, sparking “taxpayer ripped off” claims and renewed debate over means-testing. Middle East Tensions: The US says it carried out “self-defense” strikes in southern Iran, including missile sites and mine-laying boats, while Trump says Iran talks are “proceeding nicely.” Sports Spotlight: Crystal Palace face Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League final in Leipzig, while Spain names World Cup squad with injuries to Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams expected to be manageable. Tech & Media: A parliamentary panel in India plans to summon major platforms over net neutrality and equal internet access concerns.

Iran Talks & Internet: Iran ordered international internet access restored after a near-total shutdown since late February, while Tehran also denied agreeing to transfer enriched uranium abroad and said a US-Iran MoU isn’t imminent; meanwhile, explosions were reported in Bandar Abbas and nearby Gulf areas. US-Iran Deal Politics: Trump says any Iran-war agreement should expand to more Abraham Accords countries, naming Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt and Jordan. Media & Regulation: Israel’s communications committee approved splitting a sweeping bill into two parts—one reshaping broadcasting oversight and phasing in rules for KAN and Knesset Channel distribution, the other focusing separately on news providers. Online Safety Debate: In the UK, Wes Streeting urged action as a consultation on “Growing up in the online world” closes Tuesday, pushing for an under-16 social media ban. Sports & Entertainment: Thunder face a Game 5 with Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell day-to-day; Liverpool eyes summer staffing and targets after Salah’s exit; TWICE’s Momo goes viral after a faceplant at a Berlin show.

Supreme Court on Twisha Sharma: The court said it was “pained” by how the case has been handled and urged the media to show restraint while reporting on the death of former model-turned-actor Twisha Sharma, found hanging in Bhopal in May, as family allegations of dowry harassment and in-law abetment clash with claims of drug addiction. Pacific Media Aid Fight: In the Pacific, the head of USP Journalism says media aid is driven by geopolitics and donor interests—not long-term local capacity—after Fiji’s media group accused Australia of funding its own organisations more than Pacific newsrooms. UK Social Media Crackdown: In Britain, Angela Rayner pushed Labour to ban social media for under-16s after the House of Lords backed the measure again, despite concerns the Australian-style ban isn’t being followed. US-Iran Talks: Meanwhile, reporting says a US-Iran deal to end the war could be close, with reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and uranium stockpile steps, but Iran warns frequent US position changes complicate negotiations. Business & Tech: India’s power grid upgrade is set for a major investment push, while Canon announced a C2PA-based authenticity system for news image provenance.

Middle East Diplomacy: The US-Iran peace push is still alive but messy—reports say Washington is refusing some MoU clauses, including releasing Iran’s frozen assets, while Trump says negotiations are “largely negotiated” yet warns not to rush and that approval could take days. US Politics & Justice: The DOJ has scrubbed Jan. 6-related news releases from its website, calling the prosecutions “partisan propaganda,” as the administration continues rewriting the Capitol riot record. Online Safety & Law: Minnesota’s proposed social media bill would require parental consent for kids under 16 and limit “addictive” features; meanwhile, Malaysia says 91% of removed scam/gambling content targeted platforms since January. Crime & Courts: A sex offender who groomed children online, including kids as young as 12, has been jailed in London. Sports: Nationals right-hander Jake Irvin goes on the 15-day IL with a right shoulder strain after an MRI showed only a strain.

US-Iran Diplomacy: Marco Rubio says “significant progress” is made on Iran talks and hints “good news” on the Strait of Hormuz could come within hours, while insisting “final progress” isn’t done and Iran must never get nuclear weapons—though Iranian media pushes back, saying any reopening won’t match pre-war conditions. Security in Washington: The Secret Service says a man who opened fire near a White House checkpoint is dead after officers returned fire; a bystander was shot and Trump was not impacted. India-US Energy & Defence: Jaishankar and Rubio stress energy security with multiple dependable sources and discuss defence cooperation with “Make in India” in mind. Social Media & Rules in Malaysia: Malaysia’s communications chief promises talks with TikTok on monetisation for media livestreams and urges digital literacy so the public doesn’t share sensitive tragedy footage. Politics & Satire in India: Maharashtra police provide protection to Cockroach Janata Party founder Abhijeet Dipke amid a fast-spreading online feud. Local Life: Brighton Pride’s 35th anniversary lands with Raye and Diana Ross headlining.

Middle East Diplomacy: Trump says the US and Iran are “getting a lot closer” to a final agreement, with talks on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and unfreezing some Iranian assets—while he hints he could decide on whether to resume war on Sunday. US Politics & Media: Disney is asking the FCC to treat The View as a “bona fide news” program to dodge equal-time rules, as the FCC weighs public comments. Disinformation Watch: London Mayor Sadiq Khan is again targeted by a “cheap fake” video, with claims it was edited from older footage. Tech & Kids: Meta has settled a social-media addiction lawsuit brought by a Kentucky school district, while more cases loom. Press Safety: The Philippines’ journalists’ union warns media workers face heightened risks in volatile political scenes, after a Senate shooting incident. Sports: Hull and Middlesbrough meet at Wembley for the EFL Championship title after Southampton’s playoff expulsion.

Disaster Response: A gas explosion at a coal mine in northern China’s Shanxi province has killed at least 90 people, with dozens more injured and some workers still unaccounted for as rescue teams press on. EU Diplomacy: Ukraine’s Zelenskyy calls Germany’s “associate” EU membership idea “unfair,” arguing Kyiv would be left without a vote. Markets Watch: India’s SEBI has launched action against a seven-member family accused of using social media tips to manipulate SME stocks, alleging Rs 20.25 crore in gains. Media & Safety: Journalists and police are both warning about risk and responsibility—NUJP urges stronger safety protocols for reporters in high-tension scenes, while Malaysia’s police warn the public not to post crime videos that could derail investigations. Tech/Space: SpaceX carried out its biggest Starship test flight, aiming to advance toward moon and Artemis missions.