Press freedom advocates condemn the FCC's move to challenge Disney-owned ABC's licenses as the Trumps call for Jimmy Kimmel to be fired over a joke.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ml/post/46605116

April 28, 2026

Press freedom advocates on Tuesday forcefully condemned the Republican-dominated Federal Communications Commission—and FCC Chair Brendan Carr in particular—for moving to challenge Disney-owned ABC’s broadcast licenses as President Donald Trump again pressures to network to fire late-night television host Jimmy Kimmel.

“The First Amendment and the FCC’s mandate do not permit the agency to use broadcast licenses as weapons to punish broadcasters for constitutionally protected content they air,” declared Freedom of the Press Foundation chief of advocacy Seth Stern.

  • 2piradians@lemmy.worldEnglish
    31·
    1 day ago

    I’m hopeful there may even be republican dissent for all the overstepping. I think there are still plenty of traditional, small government types who are looking out for number one by faking support while privately being under duress.

    If that’s true, it may embolden the equally cowardly dems to finally take appropriate action. One can hope, anyway.

    • GreenBeard@lemmy.caEnglish
      5·
      23 hours ago

      I’m hopeful there may even be republican dissent for all the overstepping.

      Ever the optimist. Republicans grumble about other Republicans, they don’t do anything about them. Republicans don’t have principles, they have talking points and disdain for their neighbours. They don’t have morals, they have self-righteousness.