The First Amendment grants the right to freedom of speech, religion and the press. Recently, it feels as though the government has limited the freedom of the press. Specifically within the broadcasting space, networks have had to worry more about what programs are on TV and how free speech is interrupting reporting.
Late-night talk shows were first introduced in 1949, and have existed in multiple forms since. From “Saturday Night Live” to “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” late-night shows have stood the test of time. These shows periodically switch casts and guest stars, and continue to provide quality entertainment to the masses. They provide a space for musicians to be interviewed and make comments on politics. However, now shows are being unlawfully threatened by the government to stop certain commentary during their programs.
In July, CBS announced the cancellation of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.” This was after Paramount, CBS's parent company, announced it settled a lawsuit with President Donald Trump over a “60 Minutes” interview. Colbert then went on air and called the settlement “a big fat bribe.” CBS said it cancelled the show due to financial reasons, which very well could be true; however, the timing is suspicious.
Just last week, ABC briefly pulled Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show off the air after his comments on the suspected shooter of Charlie Kirk. He stated the “MAGA gang” was “desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them.” Yesterday, ABC announced Kimmel will return to the air. However, the damage was already done. People took to social media, encouraging others to cancel their Disney+ and Hulu subscriptions in protest.
After Kimmel was pulled, Trump made comments on Truth Social, pressuring NBC to cancel Fallon and Seth Meyers next. Although Kimmel has been reinstated, it does not seem like the end of the battle in the broadcast world. Sinclair, an affiliate of ABC, will not air Kimmel's program after the comments.
Trump also suggested the idea that the Federal Communications Commission can revoke broadcasting licenses for late-night hosts, specifically if hosts are “against me” and “they only give me bad press.” These comments and threats from Trump and the FCC are out of line with the scope of the commission.
Essentially, parts of the federal government are trying to police who is on TV and what they say on air by using threats of pulling broadcasting licenses. This is infringing on the First Amendment rights of the hosts and stations. The FCC cannot control the cancellation, rescheduling or refusal of radio and TV programs. By threatening these networks over a program, the FCC is trying to control what programs are on the air.
This is not the only attack on broadcasting as of recently. Earlier this year, Congress dramatically cut funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, PBS and NPR. The corporation lost $1.1 billion in funding, all due to Trump claiming it has biased reporting. The cuts in funding have left many stations to fend for themselves, potentially leaving thousands of people without a news source.
The federal government has no right to cancel or threaten networks for what they put on the air. In doing so, they are impeding the rights of the freedom of the press. These networks must not bend to the will of the government. They must continue to provide programs that might conflict with the views of the White House.
Cassie is a senior studying communications at Ohio University. Please note the views expressed in this column do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk to Cassie? Email her at cb086021@ohio.edu.
