PRC Denies USPS Motion to Allow January Density Rate Increase
The News/Media Alliance filed comments on July 29 opposing the USPS motion with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) to calculate the FY 2026 density rate authority early.
Advocacy
Maryland Tax Court Strikes Down State’s Digital Ad Tax
On August 14, the Maryland Tax Court struck down the state’s Digital Advertising Gross Revenues Tax, enacted in 2020. Across multiple rulings, the court found the tax unlawful and unconstitutional, violating the Internet Tax Freedom Act, the Dormant Commerce Clause, the Due Process Clause, and the First Amendment.
Copyright Office Adopts Rule to Expand Group Registration Option for Online News
The update removes the requirement that a “news website” cover “a broad range of news on all subjects and activities and is not limited to any specific subject matter,” clearly allowing subject matter-focused sites, such as those covering sports, finance, or culture, to be registered under the option.
News/Media Alliance Applauds Senate Commerce Committee Movement on Children’s Online Safety Measure
With today’s markup, Senate Commerce Committee Chair Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-WA) advanced bipartisan work to protect children from addictive and harmful practices perpetuated by large online platforms, while preserving beneficial access to high-quality journalism.
Massachusetts Legislature Takes Steps to Adopt Shield Law to Protect Journalists
The News/Media Alliance commends the Massachusetts Senate for the effort to protect a free press and will continue to work with the Massachusetts News Paper Association and other journalism advocates to push the measure forward as House and Senate leadership negotiate a final public records package.
Missouri Strengthens Anti-SLAPP Protections, Adopts UPEPA Model
On July 13th, Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe signed into law SB1067, the “Uniform Public Expression Act”, a measure providing Missourians with stronger protections against strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPP suits) that are designed to prevent an individual or organization from exercising their First Amendment rights.
FDA Announces Proposed Rule on Direct-to-Consumer Advertising
On July 3, the Department of Health and Human Services released its 2026 plan for regulatory actions, which includes a proposed Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rule on “Transparency in Direct-to-Consumer Advertising.”
Texas Age Signal Bill Goes Into Effect, Implications for Publishers’ Online Safety Compliance Obligations
The Supreme Court denied an emergency request to stay the Texas App Store Accountability Act, which would require developers to receive an age signal from a mobile store operator and obtain parental consent before allowing users under the age of 18 to download apps, make in-app purchases, or receive significant updates to the app offered.
NMA Member Advocacy Secures California CIPA Lawsuit Bill Advancement from Key Committee
On July 1, the California Assembly Privacy Committee overwhelmingly passed SB 690, a bill that would amend the California Invasion of Privacy Act (CIPA) to provide relief for news publishers targeted by unreasonable lawsuits based on the current text of the law.
News/Media Alliance Files an Amicus Brief with the Supreme Court Calling for a Narrow Interpretation of the VPPA
On June 30, the News/Media Alliance filed an amicus brief with the Supreme Court in Salazar v. Paramount Global, concerning the definition of “consumer” under the Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA).