Tough on China With Help From Friends

Lucinda Southern, Adweek media editor here, hoping Tuesday is treating you well.

News flitted about last week of TikTok heading back to court, ultimately to be given until Nov. 27 to reach a deal to re-organize, under President Donald Trump’s orders, and cut ties with its Chinese parent.

The question is, what will happen after Nov. 27? The Trump administration likely has other matters on its hands. And what happens to the months-long escalating trade war between the U.S. and China?

Experts that Scott Nover spoke to believe a Joe Biden administration will be just as tough on China but in a way that’s more protective of U.S. business interests, by say, stimulating U.S. chip manufacturing. Consumer apps like TikTok are unlikely to be in the firing line. Another point of difference, Biden will get tighter with international allies.

Be sure, any perceived weakness towards China will be pounced upon by Republicans, and anyone else keen to avoid the tolerance and inaction towards Asia characterized by the Obama administration.

Libel insurance premiums are on the up due to a higher level of litigation cases against reporters. I wrote about how New York upped its protection for journalists and media organizations against phony lawsuits designed to intimidate, known as SLAPPs. There’s also a John Oliver clip that outlines the total wonkiness of SLAPP suits.

Please drop me a line with any thoughts: Lucinda.southern@adweek.com. Thanks for taking the time to read. If you can, consider taking out an Adweek Pro Subscription to help fund our journalism.

Have a great day! Lucinda

Publishers are buying more libel insurance in the face of rising litigiousness against journalists.

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