From @WSJopinion: Equal freedom to speak, from Charlie Kirk to his critics, is our defining political faith. It’s why the First Amendment comes first. Rallying around free speech at this moment could rebuild our political culture, writes @RoKhanna. https://t.co/iuQ9LIjYY6 ...

Free Speech & Censorship - The report highlights concerns about potential government overreach and censorship, specifically focusing on the alleged pressure from the FCC on ABC to suspend Jimmy Kimmel [1][2][6][7][11] - The core issue revolves around whether the government is unlawfully coercing private companies to suppress free speech, which is a potential violation of the First Amendment [6][7][10] - The New York Times' successful defense against a lawsuit from Donald Trump, based on First Amendment protections, is presented as a contrasting example of standing up to perceived censorship [2][3][4][24] - The report emphasizes the unanimous (9-0) Supreme Court precedent against government coercion of private entities to suppress speech [8][9][10][11] Company Response & Industry Implications - ABC and Disney's initial decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel is portrayed as "giving in" or "rushing to surrender" to government pressure, unlike the New York Times [13][20][21][24] - Disney CEO Bob Iger's leadership is under scrutiny, with concerns that he is "co-signing" government censorship instead of defending his talent and the First Amendment [22][23][24] - The report mentions potential consumer backlash, including calls for boycotts of Disney products and services [19][20] - The media industry is urged to consider the long-term implications of complying with perceived government censorship, potentially leading down a dangerous path [17][19] Political & Legal Context - Donald Trump's actions are characterized as mirroring "authoritarian approaches to silencing dissent" [14] - The report notes that even some Republicans are wary of censorship efforts [4][5] - The report suggests that the current situation presents a test of American freedom and the willingness of companies to uphold the First Amendment [25][26][27]

Okay, I want to bring in Sam Stein, managing editor at the Bull Work. Charlie Dent is a former Republican congressman from Pennsylvania and executive of the Aspen Institute Congressional Program. And here with me in studio, New York Times reporter Jeremy Peters. And by the way, Sam and Jeremy are MSNBC contributors. Well, that was a chuckle certainly. Uh, but let's start with Sam on what we heard the president say. And I want to combine that with what we heard from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr on Thursday. Her ...

You might have heard that on Monday, Jimmy Kimmel made a joke about slain right-wing activist Charlie Kirk and Disney and ABC pulled his show. You might have heard less about the man really behind it, FCC chair Brenton Carr. The FCC is typically in charge of things like making sure Americans have good broadband, but Carr really has one mission.Making sure nobody makes fun of his friends. On Monday, he heard Kimmel say this, which isn't really even about Kirk. We hit some new lows over the weekend with the M ...

First Amendment & FCC Authority - The core issue revolves around potential First Amendment violations, with concerns that the administration is using its power to pressure broadcasters to alter their news coverage [2][3] - The FCC's authority is limited regarding content regulation, primarily focusing on protecting children and not retaliating against broadcasters for legal content [5][6] - Revoking a station's license is an extremely rare and serious action, requiring a very high standard, and there is no basis for revoking licenses based on Jimmy Kimmel's content or normal editorial decisions [13][14] Corporate Capitulation & Media Pressure - Corporate capitulation to pressure from the administration is seen as harming democracy by undermining freedom of speech and freedom of the press [3][7] - The administration is perceived to be weaponizing transactions and deals to pressure companies to change how they report news, potentially demanding favorable coverage [21] - There are concerns that the FCC is initiating investigations at the staff level, potentially overstepping its bounds without judicial review [9][10] Complaints & Partisan Influence - Complaints have been filed against media companies, including those related to Jimmy Kimmel's comments, but these are often from partisan legal groups [17][18] - The Jimmy Kimmel show is considered satire, not news, and therefore does not meet the standard for news distortion [15][16] Settlements & Potential Interference - Disney previously paid $50 million to settle a defamation lawsuit, raising concerns about deals hinging on settling such cases [19] - The installation of a "truth arbiter" or ombudsman at Paramount is viewed as chilling interference in the freedom of the press [20]

First Amendment & FCC Authority - The core issue revolves around potential violations of the First Amendment, particularly concerning freedom of speech and freedom of the press [3] - The FCC's authority is limited in regulating content, primarily focusing on protecting children and ensuring programming standards, not retaliating against broadcasters for legal content [6] - Revoking a station's license is an extremely rare and serious action, requiring a very high standard [13] - The FCC does not have the constitutional right nor the ability to take action against broadcasters because of their content [5] Corporate Capitulation & Political Pressure - Concerns exist that the administration is using levers of power to pressure broadcasters and news media to alter their reporting and content [2][3] - Corporate capitulation to this pressure is seen as a fraying of the foundation of democracy [3] - The administration may weaponize transactions and demand changes in how broadcasters report to favor the administration [21] Complaints & Legal Actions - A partisan legal group has been filing numerous complaints against media companies, including those against 60 Minutes and Saturday Night Live [18] - Disney previously paid $50 million to settle a defamation lawsuit related to comments made by one of its hosts [19] Media Regulation & Bias - The approval of the Paramount Skydance deal included installing a "truth arbiter" to field complaints about media bias, which is considered a chilling effect on freedom of the press [20] - Jimmy Kimmel's show is considered satire, not news, and therefore does not meet the standard for news distortion [15][16]

President Trump continues to attack the media, the president threatening the licenses of US broadcast networks if they are too critical of him. This comes after Walt Disney put Jimmy Kimmel's show on indefinite hiatus over the monologue he delivered. Joining us now with more is Bloomberg Wall Street Week host David Westin.You also are a lawyer, have a history working with Supreme Court justice. And, of course, you ran ABC News. So what do you think about this.The main thought I had when I heard was, I'm gla ...

Joining us now, House Minority Leader, Democratic Congressman Hakee Jeff of New York. Of course, we want to talk to you about the looming shutdown. But first, uh would like to get your reaction and what you're hearing from your colleagues on the Hill uh about uh the Jimmy Kimmel situation being yanked off the air.Well, good morning. Great to be with you. Uh Democrats in the House and the Senate are deeply disturbed uh by the events.This is another example of Donald Trump and the Trump administration weaponi ...

Freedom of Speech and Cancel Culture - The report highlights concerns about freedom of speech as educators face scrutiny and job loss for controversial posts, with some arguing firings create a culture of fear [4] - The report notes the irony of figures who previously opposed cancel culture now seemingly engaging in similar actions by urging people to report those with differing opinions [8] - The report emphasizes the distinction between individual accountability and government action, suggesting that government involvement in policing speech constitutes a violation of the First Amendment [10][11] Political Implications - The report suggests that the controversy surrounding free speech could demoralize young voters who previously supported President Trump, potentially impacting Republican congressional prospects [15] - The report indicates a potential shift in the conservative stance on cancel culture, with some conservatives expressing concern over the litigation of free speech [13][14] - The report mentions a looming government shutdown and Democratic willingness to fight for healthcare, potentially impacting bipartisan government funding [17][18] Actions and Investigations - The report mentions that at least three dozen education professionals have left or been removed from their jobs due to inappropriate comments [1] - The report states that Texas is investigating over 280 complaints against teachers, with Florida and Oklahoma launching similar probes [2] - The report notes that Clemson University fired three staff members, and UCLA placed an employee on leave due to controversial posts [2][3]

Is free speech under threat. Is the First Amendment under threat. Absolutely.I think since the beginning of this second Trump administration, the president and his advisers have taken a number of steps to use sort of every lever of power at their disposal to control the speech of private individuals, private companies and private institutions. And I think the Brennan Carr's statements on Wednesday is just the latest example of this administration using threats of regulatory oversight, denial of mergers and ...