Source: Semafor
by David Weigel
“Under the system that President Donald Trump inherited, the FCC decided which media companies could buy each other, networks decided what went on the air, and viewers decided whether to watch. If citizens wanted to protest a show or a star, they could go right ahead. If they preferred to watch alternative programming, more outlets were popping up every day. … Enter Trump and Carr’s new system, in which the FCC takes a side in what goes on the air. Nearly half of all voters supported Trump last year, and big stars on legacy broadcasters routinely mock their views. Conservatives beat those stars in the ratings, but they lack the major networks’ licenses and prestige. The president has realized he has power to revoke one of those two assets.” (09/19/25)
https://www.semafor.com/article/09/19/2025/how-the-jimmy-kimmel-saga-reorders-fcc-politics