Trump considering retaliation against broadcasters, following his dismissal by NBC.
In a move that has sparked debate and controversy, the late-night talk show 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' has been suspended. This decision, made by Nexstar's senior executive team, has been met with protests from various organisations, including SAG-AFTRA and WGA, and criticism from industry figures such as Michael Eisner and other film and TV writers.
The suspension of the show is being viewed as an attack on free speech by some, particularly given the current political climate. Trump's attacks on venerable institutions like '60 Minutes' and late-night television may not have gone as planned, as conservatives like Ted Cruz and Tucker Carlson have sided with Kimmel, at least in principle.
However, it's important to note that the suspension may not be a violation of the 1st Amendment. It may be due to violations of the show's employer's rules or standards. The FCC Chairman, Brendan Carr, has threatened television affiliates with regulatory action if they did not take action against Jimmy Kimmel, following his comments about a right-wing activist's killing.
The cancellation or suspension of TV shows can have significant impacts on the news cycle. If Kimmel and other late-night hosts were to take their voices straight to social media, it may be difficult to control that. This shift could mark a new era in the broadcasting industry, with traditional TV networks potentially losing their grip on the narrative.
The Trump administration's obsession with broadcast networks and late-night hosts is perilous, not just because it underlines his desire to attack culture with every means at his disposal. It also raises questions about the future of free speech and the balance of power in the media landscape.
Meanwhile, Nexstar, a company owning many television affiliates, is attempting to buy Tegna to gain control of stations covering over 80% of US television households. The FCC's approval and Carr's willingness to eliminate the rule that prevents any media company from owning more than 39% of television stations are required for the Nexstar-Tegna merger to go through.
As the dust settles on the suspension of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!', it's clear that the future of free speech and the media landscape is at a crossroads. With the Trump administration's history of attacking various TV networks and personalities, it's possible that other TV networks or personalities may be targeted next. The industry, and the public, will be watching closely to see how this unfolds.
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