Trump's Influence Over Media Shapes Bias Debate

The suspension of talk show host Jimmy Kimmel highlights President Trump's influence over U.S. media, with political pressure shaping editorial decisions and sparking free speech concerns. The FCC, under Trump's appointees, is threatening broadcast licenses, and major media companies are adjusting coverage to align with Trump loyalists.

Jimmy Kimmel's sudden suspension from ABC marks the latest display of the media's submission to political pressure under President Donald Trump's influence. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), led by Trump appointee Brendan Carr, has suggested revoking broadcast licenses from stations at odds with conservative narratives.

The media landscape is seeing a shift as major companies adjust to align with Trump loyalists. Oracle, backed by Trump donor Larry Ellison, is set to acquire TikTok's U.S. operations, symbolizing the growing influence of pro-Trump forces in tech and media sectors. Media bodies like CBS and the Washington Post are reportedly recalibrating their editorial stance post Trump's re-election.

Media analysts caution about a rightward tilt in U.S. journalism, with new, conservative-powered alliances in the pipeline. Legal actions by Trump against media outlets and changes at social platforms such as Twitter, rebranded X, under Elon Musk hint at broad attempts to quiet dissenting voices while reshaping public discourse.

(With inputs from agencies.)