From @WSJopinion: Conservatives were incensed by Joe Biden’s censorship, and they were right to be. Nothing has changed to justify it now, writes @KimStrassel. https://t.co/iE1INsO5Xo ...

Joining us now, staff writer at The Atlantic, Adam Seer, Atlantic staff writer and MSNBC political analyst Ashley Parker, MSNBC legal correspondent Lisa Rubin, and NBC News entertainment correspondent Khloe Melas. All right, Lisa, first I want to get the legalities uh straight here because these are private companies. They are allowed to fire somebody for what they say. That's fine. The difference here is the FCC getting involved and and the term is jaw boning. If they continue to jawbone the local stations ...

In the wake of Jimmy Kimmel's suspension, Democrats have put on a united front, launching investigations, filing motions to subpoena the FCC chair, and demanding calls for his resignation. And joining us now, Democratic Senator of Connecticut, Chris Murphy. He is part of a group of congressional Democrats that unveiled the No Political Enemies Act, legislation they say will help protect speech targeted by Trump.Senator, welcome. So glad you're here to talk about this. Beyond Kimmel, we heard the president t ...

Freedom of Speech Concerns - The report highlights concerns about potential censorship and attacks on freedom of speech, suggesting it's under more threat than ever before [2][7] - The report mentions influential conservative voices speaking out against the erosion of the First Amendment [3] - The report expresses concern that Charlie Kirk's death might be exploited to introduce hate speech laws, potentially justifying civil disobedience [6] Political Influence and Bullying - The report suggests potential pressure from Trump and the FCC on Disney, leading to capitulation and fear [1] - The report implies that Trump and the extreme right might bully those they dislike [2] - The report references a broken promise from Trump regarding ending government censorship [2] Reactions and Perspectives - The report notes condemnation of actions against Kimmel from figures like Tim Dylan and Andrew Schultz [1] - The report mentions differing perspectives on the MAGA movement from figures like Tucker Carlson and Mike Pence, with Pence expressing concern about a larger crackdown [4] - The report emphasizes the importance of civility in public discourse [5]

This is a story about government censorship. Right now, it's about Donald Trump's right-wing MAGA government censorship. If he gets away with it, it could break truly very long precedents and be used or abused by others.But right now, it's MAGA censorship first and foremost. It's now immediately become a scandal for Trump's communications official, Brendan Carr. He's facing calls to investigate what he did here and some calls on the left for his resignation.Others are speaking out against the First Amendmen ...

Freedom of Speech & Censorship - The industry acknowledges the complexity of balancing freedom of speech with the potential for harmful or "despicable" statements [1][2] - Concerns arise regarding media companies potentially suppressing dialogue in response to controversial statements, raising First Amendment questions [2] - The industry observes a growing trend towards censorship, potentially exploiting tragedies to silence political opponents [3] - The industry expresses concern about potential political repression against those who oppose certain political figures [4] Jimmy Kimmel Controversy & Disney's Response - The industry generally views Jimmy Kimmel's comments as inappropriate and "terrible" [1][5] - Disney's decision to remove Kimmel's show is acknowledged as their prerogative [1] - Some believe Kimmel's removal was due to him being an "unfunny activist" and audience fatigue with political activism in late-night television [6] Potential Consequences & Political Climate - The industry anticipates a "dizzying campaign of political repression" [4] - The situation is described as a "red alert moment" for the country, urging individuals to stand up for what is right [4] - The industry notes that the FCC is entitled to offer their opinion on the matter [5]

Free Speech & Political Hypocrisy - The report highlights a perceived hypocrisy where some conservatives, who once championed free speech, now appear to support its restriction when it comes to views they disagree with [2][3] - The report suggests a narrative of selective outrage, where certain groups express strong condemnation of some speech while excusing or downplaying other potentially offensive or harmful speech [3][12] - The report points out the spread of disinformation, specifically regarding alleged censorship by the Biden administration, and how difficult it was to counter the false narrative [14][15] Authoritarianism & Media Control - The report draws parallels between current events and the actions of authoritarian leaders like Viktor Orban in Hungary and Vladimir Putin in Russia, particularly concerning media control [5][6] - The report emphasizes the suppression of dissenting voices and the targeting of media outlets critical of those in power, citing the example of a comedy show being removed from the air in Russia [7][8] - The report suggests that the issue is not about free speech for all, but rather about protecting the speech of those who align with a particular political ideology [9] Callous Remarks & Apologies - The report mentions a controversial statement made on Fox News regarding homeless people, including a suggestion of "involuntary lethal injection," which was later apologized for [11][12] - The report contrasts the apology for the aforementioned callous remark with the perceived lack of accountability for spreading disinformation [12][15] Political Strategy & Revenge - The report suggests that certain groups are focused on using institutions like the FCC as tools for political revenge and media control [16]

Listen, we are quickly becoming a censorship state. I think Kimmel is just the beginning. Uh I think you're going to see a potential dizzying campaign of political repression against anyone who opposes this president.The question is, do I think that what Kimmel said is appropriate. Not really. I think it's terrible. And do I think it's good that Disney yanked a show.Yeah, I do actually. That was their choice. Is it First Amendment protected.Yes. But do you want me to agree with it. Like no, I think it's hor ...

FCC's Role and Authority - The FCC licenses broadcasters to serve communities in the public interest [4] - The FCC lacks the authority, ability, or constitutional right to censor broadcasters [4] - Censoring broadcasters violates the First Amendment and the Communications Act [5] - Defining "public interest" is crucial, with considerations for localism, diversity of viewpoints, and competition [6] - The FCC's role is to license broadcasters in the public interest and then step back, avoiding infringement on the First Amendment [14] License Revocation and Free Speech - Revoking a license is extremely rare due to its harsh consequences [8] - Threats to revoke licenses can chill speech [8] - Satire has a rich history and plays an important role in pushing back against those in power [14] - The FCC should not judge what is funny or determine content [14] Administration's Actions and Concerns - The administration is accused of using "public interest" to justify censorship [2][4][5] - The administration is allegedly retaliating against those who speak out against it [10] - There are concerns about corporate capitulation to the administration's pressure [9][10]

Media Industry Dynamics - The president frames the indefinite pulling of Jimmy Kimmel's show as a result of bad ratings and a desire to take credit, despite Kimmel not being officially fired [1] - The administration has been discussing free speech, particularly since the Charlie Kirk assassination, and the potential for government influence on media content [1] - The FCC chairman, a key figure in Project 2025, has been critical of perceived liberal biases in networks like ABC and has investigated complaints against them [2][3] - The FCC chairman hinted at potential future actions for other networks or late-night hosts, stating, "We're not done yet," predicting more changes in the media ecosystem [5] Free Speech & Censorship Concerns - The situation highlights a long-standing debate between the right and left regarding free speech, with conservatives feeling victimized by media self-censorship and the Biden administration's focus on misinformation [1] - Concerns are raised about government coercion and censorship, questioning whether the administration is influencing media organizations, despite ABC's right to fire Kimmel [1] - Former President Obama criticized the current administration for threatening regulatory action against media companies that don't comply with their views [1] Media Trust & Public Perception - Trust in the media is at an all-time low, even lower than Congress, suggesting a significant decline in public confidence [4]