KFF vs POLITICO

KFF Women’s Health Survey Explores How Women Navigate Contraceptive Information — The Monitor

Many reproductive-age women seek health information through online sources, where they may encounter false or misleading information about contraception, according to the 2026 KFF Women’s Health Survey. And an Ohio health department’s new AI policy offers a rare example of a health-specific policy addressing accuracy and public trust.

Different State Regulatory Approaches Reflect Open Questions About AI Mental Health Tools — The Monitor

New Monitor reports added to KFF’s Health Information and Trust series cover state regulatory approaches to AI mental health tools, public awareness of abortion pill safety, trust in federal health agencies, and beliefs across common vaccine myths.

Axel Springer Launches Creator Program for Journalists

German media giant Axel Springer announced the launch of "Axel Springer Creators", a new program designed to support journalists in building and scaling their own media brands independent of established news outlets. Paul Ronzheimer, a prominent war correspondent, is the first participant and will leave his role as deputy editor-in-chief of Bild to focus on expanding his successful podcast "Ronzheimer" and developing new audio and video formats. The company will assist creators with production, technology, and marketing, offering them greater editorial and entrepreneurial freedom with a share of commercial success. This move reflects a strategic shift towards individual journalist brands, as highlighted by CEO Mathias Döpfner's previous comments on the growing importance of creators in the media landscape.

• Axel Springer launches 'Axel Springer Creators' program for journalists.
• Paul Ronzheimer joins as first participant, leaving Bild deputy editor-in-chief role.
• Ronzheimer's podcast 'Ronzheimer' had over 12 million cross-platform views in September.

CNN Launches Press Freedom Promo Amid White House Ban Threat

Amid threats from President Donald Trump to ban certain news outlets from the White House, CNN debuted a 60-second promo on Wednesday with the tagline 'Freedom of the press is not optional.' The spot features quotes from former presidents and highlights CNN's commitment to journalism. This comes after a preliminary injunction by Judge Timothy Kelly ruled that the White House press ban likely violated the First Amendment, allowing CNN, MS NOW, and Politico to continue reporting from the White House. CNN CEO Mark Thompson has pledged to fight the case 'to the end,' and the network's marketing team produced the promo internally. The promo was shared on social media and during CNN News Central, where Thompson gave an interview.

• CNN aired a 60-second promo with the tagline 'Freedom of the press is not optional'.
• The promo features quotes from former presidents Thomas Jefferson, Calvin Coolidge, Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama.
• A preliminary injunction by Judge Timothy Kelly ruled that the White House press ban likely violated the First Amendment.

Digiday Awards 2026 Finalists Announced

The Digiday Awards 2026 finalists have been announced, showcasing innovation in audience engagement and multiplatform storytelling. Notable finalists include Amazon News for its immersive AWS Trainium chip story, Politico's CEO Goli Sheikholeslami for Media Leader of the Year, and Warner Bros. Discovery's retail media campaign with IKEA. The awards highlight trends such as agentic AI, retail media, and innovative publisher strategies. The full list spans categories like Best Use of AI, Best Use of Retail Media, and Most Innovative Publisher, reflecting a media landscape focused on measurable results and personalization.

• Amazon News is a finalist for Most Innovative Publisher for its AWS Trainium chip interactive story.
• Politico's CEO Goli Sheikholeslami is nominated for Media Leader of the Year.
• Warner Bros. Discovery and Ikea are finalists for Best Use of Retail Media for 'Decades of Possibilities' campaign.