The article details how Donald Trump and FCC Chair Brendan Carr are accused of bullying late-night hosts into silence by leveraging the FCC’s power over broadcast licenses and corporate mergers. ABC’s “indefinite” suspension of Jimmy Kimmel’s show is cited as an example of corporate capitulation, mirroring instances where shows were canceled ahead of important government approvals. The author argues that corporations prioritize profits over free speech, and the FCC is complicit, with Carr seemingly willing to censor content that is critical of Trump. This approach is deemed concerning, particularly as Trump has indicated that negative press could be used to revoke broadcasting licenses.
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The crux of it seems to be this: a former Bush aide is suggesting that the suppression of speech, specifically targeting the Democratic Party, is not something on the horizon, but is already happening. The implications are chilling, painting a picture of a future where dissenting voices are silenced, and democratic processes are undermined.
One of the key concerns raised is the potential for legal challenges and the revocation of broadcast licenses for any media outlets that air Democratic candidates’ speeches or advertisements. This echoes the worries of many about a creeping authoritarianism. The scenario painted is one where any expression of dissent, any criticism of the ruling party, could be met with severe repercussions, potentially including criminal charges.… Continue reading
Newsom blasts ‘spineless’ ABC for pulling Jimmy Kimmel over Charlie Kirk remarks. This whole situation is a mess, and it’s easy to see why people are up in arms. The reports that ABC, owned by Disney, pulled Jimmy Kimmel from the airwaves due to comments related to Charlie Kirk and, more broadly, the political climate feel heavy-handed. It’s the kind of move that feels like a direct assault on free speech and independent thought, especially when you consider the context of Kimmel’s remarks.
Newsom’s strong reaction seems entirely justified. Calling out ABC’s decision as “spineless” hits the nail on the head.… Continue reading
Following comments made about Charlie Kirk’s suspected killer, Disney’s ABC has indefinitely removed Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night talk show from its programming. This decision came after pressure from Trump administration officials, including FCC chair Brendan Carr, who suggested that the FCC could intervene. In response, several ABC-affiliated station owners, including Nexstar and Sinclair, announced they would preempt Kimmel’s show, sparking accusations of appeasing the administration. Free speech advocates condemned ABC’s actions, while the White House celebrated.
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On Thursday, Stephen Colbert announced the end of *The Late Show* next May, a decision attributed by CBS to financial reasons. However, this explanation seems dubious, particularly considering Colbert’s recent criticisms of Paramount’s $16 million payment to Donald Trump. Days before the announcement, Colbert had publicly mocked the payment. It is likely that the show is ending due to Colbert’s status as a prominent Trump critic, as CBS is undergoing a merger and needs Trump’s approval.
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The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is being canceled by CBS, sparking shock and outrage. This decision comes after Colbert criticized CBS’s parent company, Paramount, for settling a lawsuit with Donald Trump. The cancellation, despite the show’s high ratings, is suspected to be a result of Paramount’s efforts to appease Trump, especially as it seeks a merger. This move signals a concerning trend of capitulation to political pressure, potentially impacting the freedom of expression in media.
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Israel’s recent actions against Iranian state media have sparked a flurry of online discussions, and the claim that Iran’s state-run television and radio are “about to disappear” is certainly grabbing attention. The situation is complex, and the initial reports of a complete blackout were quickly followed by news of the broadcasts resuming, albeit from a different location. This raises questions about the nature of the attacks and their ultimate effectiveness.
The speed with which the initial disruption occurred has been striking, leading some to speculate about the sophistication of the Israeli military capabilities. Reports circulated of a live broadcast being interrupted, highlighting the immediacy and impact of the event.… Continue reading
Following concerns from Disney CEO Bob Iger and ABC News President Almin Karamehmedovic, The View’s hosts were asked to reduce their focus on political rhetoric. While framed as a suggestion, not a mandate, the hosts resisted, citing audience demand for their political commentary, particularly given the current administration’s actions. Despite this pushback, the network maintains its dialogue with the hosts regarding content, and the show’s high ratings suggest the political coverage hasn’t negatively impacted viewership.
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The White House’s decision to eliminate a regular reporting slot for independent newswires represents a concerning move towards controlling information flow. This action directly impacts access for smaller news organizations, raising serious questions about transparency and the administration’s commitment to a free press. The elimination of this slot isn’t simply a matter of rearranging press access; it’s a calculated step to limit diverse perspectives and potentially silence critical voices.
The stated rationale for this change is often vague, lacking transparency itself. Claims of expanding access to “non-traditional” media by favoring print outlets seem contradictory and arbitrary, particularly given the broader context of suppressed independent voices.… Continue reading
President Trump issued an executive order effectively dismantling Voice of America (VOA) and its parent company, US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), citing alleged anti-Trump bias and wasteful spending. The order places VOA’s 1,300 employees on paid leave and halts funding for affiliated organizations like Radio Free Europe and Radio Free Asia, impacting hundreds of millions of listeners globally. This action, spurred by right-wing media accusations of leftist bias, severely curtails VOA’s mission of countering foreign propaganda. The move comes alongside broader budget cuts to various federal agencies.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood
ABC News Orders The View to Tone Down Trump Criticism
Following concerns from Disney CEO Bob Iger and ABC News President Almin Karamehmedovic, The View’s hosts were asked to reduce their focus on political rhetoric. While framed as a suggestion, not a mandate, the hosts resisted, citing audience demand for their political commentary, particularly given the current administration’s actions. Despite this pushback, the network maintains its dialogue with the hosts regarding content, and the show’s high ratings suggest the political coverage hasn’t negatively impacted viewership.
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