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Debate rages over Sinclair Broadcasting’s forced recitation of an anti-mainstream news mantra by local anchors, with one station openly rebelling and President Trump tweeting his support for the right-leaning conglomerate. Trump lawyers seek to compel adult film star Stormy Daniels to resolve her defamation claim against the President through private arbitration. American Media, Inc., the owner of the National Enquirer, seeks to dismiss lawsuit by Karen McDougal arguing that it impermissibly seeks to challenge the publication’s editorial decision not to print an account that they purchased of her affair with the President. Trump campaign manager urges retaliation against CNN journalist for shouting questions at the President during the annual Easter Egg Roll. -Suzanne Nossel, Executive Director

The most pressing threats and notable goings-on in free expression today

U.S.

Sinclair-owned TV station chooses not to air media bias promo
A Sinclair-owned television station in Wisconsin spoke out against the company’s new mandated promotional message, choosing not to air the announcement over the weekend. President Trump, however, defended Sinclair on Twitter.
THE HILL

Trump seeks arbitration in Stormy Daniels case
Trump and his personal attorney, Michael Cohen, filed papers in federal court in Los Angeles asking a judge to rule that Stormy Daniels’ case involving a non-disclosure agreement must be heard by an arbitrator instead of a jury.
USA TODAY

National Enquirer Publisher: It’s Our First Amendment Right to Silence Karen McDougal Over Trump
The National Enquirer’s publisher claims its agreement to purchase and bury former Playboy model Karen McDougal’s story of her alleged affair with President Trump is protected by the First Amendment, according to new court filings.
DAILY BEAST

Trump campaign manager calls for CNN’s Acosta to have his press credentials revoked
President Trump’s 2020 campaign manager is calling for Jim Acosta to be stripped of his press credentials after the CNN White House correspondent questioned Trump during the White House Easter Egg Roll.
THE HILL

Trump tweets away what’s left of Sinclair’s credibility
If he thought he was helping the beleaguered broadcaster, he was wrong. In fact, he offered what might be considered evidence of the White House having an unusual rooting interest in a news organization—and one whose expansion is now in his administration’s hands.
BALTIMORE SUN

 
Global

E.U. urged to act over social media and fake news
A senior E.U. official has called for action against internet companies that harvest personal data, as Brussels prepares to move against those spreading “fake news” following the Cambridge Analytica revelations.
THE GUARDIAN

North Korea Issues Rare Apology Over Media Access to K-Pop Show
South Korean reporters visiting North Korea’s capital to cover a K-pop performance there received a surprise on Monday: an unusually graceful apology from a senior North Korean official.
NEW YORK TIMES

India PM Narendra Modi overturns ministry crackdown on fake news
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ordered his minister to withdraw an order that sought to “punish” journalists accused of fake news. The announcement that the government would suspend the accreditation of journalists found producing fake news had drawn widespread condemnation.
BBC NEWS

The Case of Hong Kong’s Missing Booksellers
China’s aggressiveness continues to rattle Hong Kong. “In the past, at least they tried to comply with one country, two systems,” said James To, a legislator in Hong Kong. “This time they were blatant.” For many locals, the lesson was clear. “One day they will come and snatch you back,” To said. “There is no protection at all.”
NEW YORK TIMES

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