The Kimmel suspension is a much bigger deal than you know.
It's really about a growing alliance between Trump and the companies that own America's local TV stations - like Nexstar - to turn local TV into Trump propaganda.
1/ Let me tell you the short story. It's chilling.
It's really about a growing alliance between Trump and the companies that own America's local TV stations - like Nexstar - to turn local TV into Trump propaganda.
1/ Let me tell you the short story. It's chilling.
2/ In August, Nexstar announced they wanted to buy another TV station company, Tegna.
But that's illegal - because it would give Nexstar control of stations in nearly half the country. FCC rules prohibit ONE company from having THAT much control over local TV content.
But that's illegal - because it would give Nexstar control of stations in nearly half the country. FCC rules prohibit ONE company from having THAT much control over local TV content.
3/ Why? Because one company shouldn't control local speech in half the country.
Also, we want our local TV stations to be run by local actors to preserve local identity and prevent our culture from becoming soullessly flattened - which Nexstar was already doing!
Also, we want our local TV stations to be run by local actors to preserve local identity and prevent our culture from becoming soullessly flattened - which Nexstar was already doing!
4/ But good news for Nexstar! Brendan Carr, Trump's FCC Chair, said he's open to an unprecedented change in the rules to allow the Nexstar-Tegna merger to go through - which would be good ONLY for the filthy rich owners of both companies.
Which means Nexstar has to play ball.
Which means Nexstar has to play ball.
5/ So when Carr threatened to revoke the licenses of local stations that continued to air Kimmel - at the same time he was whispering to Nexstar that he might bend the rules to approve their billion dollar merger - Nexstar knew what to do: BEND THE KNEE.
hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/jim…
hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/jim…
6/ Perry Sook, the Nexstar CEO, is already worth over $500 million. This deal could make him a billionaire.
If Nexstar controls local TV news content in half the country - and Sook owes his fortune to Trump - then Trump effectively controls content in half the nation.
If Nexstar controls local TV news content in half the country - and Sook owes his fortune to Trump - then Trump effectively controls content in half the nation.
7/ And it’s not just Nexstar! Sinclair, another right-leaning media group that owns local TV stations, demanded Kimmel apologize and make a donation to Charlie Kirk’s organization.
Guess what? Sinclair also wants the FCC to increase the ownership cap for TV stations.
Guess what? Sinclair also wants the FCC to increase the ownership cap for TV stations.
8/ So here's how it would work.
Nexstar/Sinclair pledge loyalty to Trump. He gives them control over America's local TV. And they act as his political enforcers, silencing his critics.
But if we see the scheme, we can stop it. By mobilizing and speaking out.
Nexstar/Sinclair pledge loyalty to Trump. He gives them control over America's local TV. And they act as his political enforcers, silencing his critics.
But if we see the scheme, we can stop it. By mobilizing and speaking out.
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