FCC Takes Aim at Media Outlets Criticized by Trump in New Crackdown

Brendan Carr's Emboldened FCC Takes on Trump's Media Foes In a move that has sparked controversy, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) under Chairman Brendan Carr has taken a more aggressive stance against media outlets perceived to be biased against President Donald Trump. The latest casualty is comedian Jimmy Kimmel's ABC show, which was suspended indefinitely after making comments that mocked the president and appeared to cast blame on his supporters. The suspension of Kimmel's show marks the latest development in a long-standing feud between the Trump administration and the media. According to FCC Commissioner Carr, the US media landscape is currently in a "very disruptive moment." In an interview with The Washington Post, Carr stated, "We're seeing a lot of polarization and division, and I think it's partly because of the way that some media outlets are covering certain issues." The Trump administration has launched personal lawsuits against numerous news outlets and social media companies over treatment they believe is biased against them. President Trump has also filed a barrage of lawsuits against The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and others. At his urging, Congress has cut funding for NPR and PBS, while other broadcasters have faced threats to have their federal licenses pulled. Media experts say the FCC's actions are part of a larger effort to exert control over the media narrative. "The Trump administration is using the FCC as a tool to silence critics and suppress dissenting voices," said University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) professor and media expert, Dr. Robert McChesney. However, some argue that the FCC's actions are necessary to address perceived liberal bias in the media. "We need to have a more balanced media landscape, where conservative viewpoints are given equal airtime," said former Fox News host and Trump supporter, Eric Bolling. The suspension of Kimmel's show has sparked outrage among liberals, who see it as an attempt by the Trump administration to silence dissenting voices. "This is a clear example of the Trump administration using its power to intimidate and silence critics," said Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer. As the controversy continues to unfold, the FCC remains committed to its mission of promoting a free and fair media landscape. In a statement, Chairman Carr emphasized that the FCC's actions are aimed at ensuring that all media outlets adhere to their licensing agreements and provide balanced coverage of news events. The future of Kimmel's show remains uncertain, with ABC refusing to comment on the suspension. Meanwhile, the Trump administration continues to push for greater control over the media narrative, sparking concerns about the impact on press freedom and the First Amendment. In related developments, the FCC has announced plans to hold a public hearing on media bias and polarization in the coming weeks. The hearing is expected to draw attention from lawmakers, media experts, and the public at large, as the debate over media regulation continues to simmer. *Reporting by Bbc.*