Ted Cruz Rips FCC Over ABC Broadcast License Review Following Kimmel Joke: 'It Is Not Government's Job to Censor Speech'

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas is a MAGA loyalist, but he thinks the Republican-controlled FCC stepped over the line in accelerating the renewal process for broadcast licenses of Disney’s eight ABC-owned local TV stations — seemingly in response to a joke Jimmy Kimmel told about Melania Trump on late-night television.

“It is not government’s job to censor speech, and I do not believe the FCC should operate as the speech police,” Cruz told political outlet Punchbowl News about the agency’s demand that ABC filed to renew licenses within 30 days. Variety has reached out to the senator’s office for additional comment.

The FCC’s Media Bureau, in its April 28 order, said it was calling in ABC’s licenses for eight owned-and-operated stations for early review pursuant to an investigation into Disney and ABC over potential violations of the FCC’s “prohibition on unlawful discrimination” — i.e., the agency is probing the media conglomerate’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices.

Asked for comment about Cruz’s criticism, an FCC spokesperson said, “As the agency decision makes clear, the early renewal order is based on a long-running FCC investigation into Disney’s DEI conduct, not any speech.”

https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/ted-cruz-rips-fcc-over-141221837.html

Trump will probably call your wife ugly again.

[Jilly_in_VA]

1. Have the heavens suddenly opened?

Has the sky turned purple and green? Are earthworms walking upright on two legs?
How is it that I find myself actually AGREEING with Rafaelito?

[Scubamatt]

2. I think this is a good sign

that the Cons know they are going to lose control of the government over the next election cycle. Cruz isn't saying this because he believes in the First Amendment; he's saying it because he doesn't want a precedent set that can be used when we regain power.

[area51]

3. I didn't have this on my bingo card.

"Fled" Cruz still needs to lose his job.

[republianmushroom]

4. Ted, do you want to guess who is pushing the FCC

to Censor Speech' that is critical of him and family ?

[Krazy_Kat]

5. Screw you, Cruz!

For making me agree with you!

[genxlib]

6. I find it disconcerting...

That the FCC thinks that leverage being used against Disney for DEI is any better than free speech.

[MagickMuffin]

7. For once I agree with my jr. senator, soon to be sr senator

As James Talarico is sworn in as the next BEST jr senator from Texas.

[spanone]

8. Obviously, Ted isn't in touch with his party.

[DBoon]

9. Ted wants donations from ABC's and other network executives

Ted is thinking about running for higher office, and having the support of media moguls is always good for that purpose.

[Coventina]

10. What is happening? I'm agreeing with.......Ted Cruz?