What we're reading this week...

By Elizabeth Cherneff – CNN

This week on Reliable Sources, we’ll continue to discuss media coverage and fallout since former intelligence worker Edward Snowden revealed himself as the source of leaked documents outlining the NSA’s surveillance programs. In the meantime, here are some other stories that caught our eye this week:

‘ESPN will close 3D sports network’

This week, ESPN announced it would be closing its 3D sports channel by the end of the year. In a statement, the network cited limited demand for 3D services, implying that the trend has been slow to take off with viewers. Following the announcement, ESPN’s chief technology officer Chuck Pagano suggested that 3D technology needs to be more user-friendly in order to be successful. In the meantime, the network says it plans to maintain a full standard broadcast line-up in place of 3D content on the channel.

Judge Rules That Movie Studio Should Have Been Paying Interns

For many, unpaid internships are seen as a key step towards landing full-time employment. This week, a federal judge in New York ruled in favor of two former Fox Searchlight Pictures interns who claim they should have been paid while interning for the production company in 2011. In the decision, the judge ruled that the internships did not promote an educational environment and the studio benefited from the work, both of which violate the Dept. of Labor’s unpaid internship regulations. While a 20^th Century Fox spokesman announced the company would be appealing the ruling, Tuesday’s decision could potentially set precedent for others seeking compensation for unpaid internships.

U.K.’s Sun mocks Scientology with apology to alien life forms

Generally when a newspaper issues an apology, it’s a pretty big deal. The British newspaper ‘The Sun’ took an unusual approach this week when it published the following apology in regards to a weekend article:

“In an article on Saturday headlined ‘Flying saucers over British Scientology HQ,’ we stated “two flat silver discs” were seen “above the Church of Scientology HQ.” Following a letter from lawyers for the Church, we apologise to any alien life forms for linking them to Scientologists.”

The apology, which has since been picked up by Buzzfeed and ITV News, has also gained attention on social media, suggesting that in this case, the U.K. tabloid had the last laugh.