Former President Donald Trump expressed his belief that certain television networks should have their licenses revoked due to their negative coverage of him. This statement was made during a press briefing aboard Air Force One while returning from a state visit to the UK. Trump's comments were particularly aimed at the ABC network, which recently suspended Jimmy Kimmel's show amid backlash from his remarks concerning the murder of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk.
Kimmel's suspension was warranted after the suspension announcement on Wednesday by ABC due to the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) threats over his comments, which referenced a killing that involved political affiliations. The backlash stemmed from Kimmel suggesting that the suspect was a 'Maga Republican,' although reports indicated the assailant was influenced by leftist ideologies.
Trump, who cited his belief that 97% of media coverage of him is negative, wondered aloud about the accountability of news networks. He stated, They give me only bad publicity, press. I mean, they're getting a license. I would think maybe their license should be taken away.
Kimmel's commentary had sparked outrage, prompting major media outlets, including Nexstar Media, the largest owner of TV stations in the US, to withdraw his show for the foreseeable future. According to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, the decision to hold networks accountable to the public interest would continue, especially regarding Kimmel's comments.
Prominent figures, including former President Barack Obama and various Hollywood actors, have condemned Kimmel's suspension, arguing it poses threats to free speech. Yet, others believe the suspension serves as a form of accountability, emphasizing the repercussions of inflammatory comments made in the public eye.
Furthermore, the ongoing discussions around media bias, freedom of speech, and the parameters of responsible broadcasting continue to evoke strong reactions across the political spectrum.
Kimmel's suspension was warranted after the suspension announcement on Wednesday by ABC due to the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) threats over his comments, which referenced a killing that involved political affiliations. The backlash stemmed from Kimmel suggesting that the suspect was a 'Maga Republican,' although reports indicated the assailant was influenced by leftist ideologies.
Trump, who cited his belief that 97% of media coverage of him is negative, wondered aloud about the accountability of news networks. He stated, They give me only bad publicity, press. I mean, they're getting a license. I would think maybe their license should be taken away.
Kimmel's commentary had sparked outrage, prompting major media outlets, including Nexstar Media, the largest owner of TV stations in the US, to withdraw his show for the foreseeable future. According to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, the decision to hold networks accountable to the public interest would continue, especially regarding Kimmel's comments.
Prominent figures, including former President Barack Obama and various Hollywood actors, have condemned Kimmel's suspension, arguing it poses threats to free speech. Yet, others believe the suspension serves as a form of accountability, emphasizing the repercussions of inflammatory comments made in the public eye.
Furthermore, the ongoing discussions around media bias, freedom of speech, and the parameters of responsible broadcasting continue to evoke strong reactions across the political spectrum.
