Network Executive Oliver Darcy discusses ABC's choice to suspend Jimmy Kimmel's television broadcast.
In a move that is raising eyebrows and sparking concerns, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Brendan Carr is going after late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel. This escalation comes following President Trump's criticism of comedians like Stephen Colbert and Kimmel.
The way the FCC is pressuring stations is extremely unprecedented, marking a dark time for the First Amendment, according to Oliver Darcy, founder and author of Status. This crackdown includes threats against individuals like Kimmel and ABC affiliates.
Within hours of the threats, Kimmel was pulled off the air. It is not expected for the FCC to go after Jimmy Kimmel in this way, as it would not be within their usual purview. However, the administration is making this overtly clear and is not hiding from using the tools at their disposal to go after media outlets.
This is not the first time Carr has ticked through a series of shifts in the media in recent months. Under Donald Trump's presidency, efforts to cut funding for NPR and PBS and to cancel Stephen Colbert's Late Show were pursued by Trump himself and his administration officials in the context of broader actions against media outlets perceived as critical of him.
Interestingly, Carr, in the past, spoke out against such actions, stating political satire is important and should not be censored. However, his recent actions seem to contradict his previous stance.
In an interview with Benny Johnson, Carr made threats against ABC affiliates. This move has been met with criticism from previous FCC chairs and commissioners who have spoken out against Carr and the way he is using the office to censor Donald Trump's political critics.
When Darcy reached out to Carr after news about potential regulatory action, Carr responded with a smiling face emoji, indicating he was celebratory about the decision. This response has added fuel to the fire, further fuelling concerns about the state of media freedom under the current administration.
It is unusual for the FCC chair to threaten to take regulatory action over a joke or criticism. The government's crackdown includes a long game, according to Darcy, to weaponize government and use the power and force of the federal government to target people who speak out against this president.
This development is a stark reminder of the importance of a free and independent media in a democratic society. As the situation unfolds, it is crucial to stay vigilant and advocate for the protection of our First Amendment rights.
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