Another excellent article Dave. As a veteran of several battles with the FOX network - always felt the affiliates were treated as necessary evil.
I think it’s obvious that Trump‘s intimidation of the “Fake News Networks” (translation, anybody that reports anything bad about him) is working. All of the big four broadcast networks have seemed to have backed down on their criticism of Trump. Giving him the benefit of the doubt, perhaps the networks were too critical. But - he is so outrageous he is his own worst enemy when it comes to reporting on his latest statement, accusation, appointment - I.e. Gaetz, who is under investigation for sexual misconduct, as his choice for Attorney General.
Trump’s actions are a direct threat to the First Amendment.
John, if the other networks received such a letter, there has been no coverage of it. It’s possible Carr targeted ABC because of the lawsuit settlement and perhaps because ABC has been part demanding in contract negotiations with affiliate stations. Even if the other networks didn’t get a letter, they certainly got the message.
I’m concerned about public television and radio. There has long been an effort to do away with funding. I know IPR is 86% member funded - they’ve worked hard at that. Not sure about IPBS.
You’re right to be concerned. It would be an easy budget cut for the DOGE folks. We should also be concerned about VOA, where Keri Lake could do a lot of damage.
Thanks, Dave. Your column was all news to me. This area, like so many others, is more complicated that most realize. I look forward to you keeping us up on what happens next.
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Always good insight! Thanks Dave.
Exactly, Dave. Your "Bottom Line" sums up the current situation perfectly.
Trump can't be trusted when it comes to the media. He's proven that.
Another excellent article Dave. As a veteran of several battles with the FOX network - always felt the affiliates were treated as necessary evil.
I think it’s obvious that Trump‘s intimidation of the “Fake News Networks” (translation, anybody that reports anything bad about him) is working. All of the big four broadcast networks have seemed to have backed down on their criticism of Trump. Giving him the benefit of the doubt, perhaps the networks were too critical. But - he is so outrageous he is his own worst enemy when it comes to reporting on his latest statement, accusation, appointment - I.e. Gaetz, who is under investigation for sexual misconduct, as his choice for Attorney General.
Trump’s actions are a direct threat to the First Amendment.
Good information, Dave. Thanks!
You did not indicate whether the owners of CBS, Fox and NBC also received letters similar to that received by Disney. If not, why not?
John, if the other networks received such a letter, there has been no coverage of it. It’s possible Carr targeted ABC because of the lawsuit settlement and perhaps because ABC has been part demanding in contract negotiations with affiliate stations. Even if the other networks didn’t get a letter, they certainly got the message.
I’m concerned about public television and radio. There has long been an effort to do away with funding. I know IPR is 86% member funded - they’ve worked hard at that. Not sure about IPBS.
You’re right to be concerned. It would be an easy budget cut for the DOGE folks. We should also be concerned about VOA, where Keri Lake could do a lot of damage.
Thanks, Dave. Your column was all news to me. This area, like so many others, is more complicated that most realize. I look forward to you keeping us up on what happens next.
I learned a lot from this column. Thanks!