In this engaging discussion, Adi Robertson, Senior Tech and Policy Editor at The Verge, delves into the complexities of free speech in the digital age. They explore the recent calls from billionaires like Trump for media regulation, highlighting the First Amendment's role in preventing government overreach. Robertson sheds light on the historical context of broadcasting regulations and their impact on today's media landscape. The conversation also touches on the ramifications of the Fairness Doctrine's repeal and the evolving challenges of tech regulation.
42:42
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
question_answer ANECDOTE
Trump's License Threat
Trump called for the FCC to revoke CBS's broadcast license after a Kamala Harris interview.
This is a recurring threat he makes when networks air content he deems unfavorable.
insights INSIGHT
Broadcast Licenses Explained
Broadcast licenses, granted by the FCC, give stations the right to use limited spectrum.
Stations agree to operate in the public interest in exchange for these licenses.
insights INSIGHT
Decline of Broadcast Monopoly
Major broadcast networks like ABC, CBS, and NBC used to hold a significant distribution monopoly.
This monopoly has diminished due to changing media consumption habits.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Trump and a bunch of billionaires, like Elon Musk, are calling for the FCC to punish TV stations by revoking their licenses and using the spectrum for other stuff. In a normal world, this would be idle billionaire wishcasting. Punishing news organizations is one of those things we have a First Amendment to protect against. You know — the one that protects free speech by prohibiting the government from making speech regulations or punishing people for what they say?
But, it turns out, there is a long and complex history of the government regulating speech on broadcast platforms like radio and television — and that history dovetails into many of the problems we have regulating tech companies and social platforms today. Verge senior tech and policy editor Adi Robertson joins me to dive in.
Links:
The Verge guide to the 2024 US presidential election | The Verge
FCC chair rejects Trump’s call to revoke CBS license over Harris interview | The Verge
Florida official who resigned after letter to TV stations blames DeSantis’ office | MSNBC
“To keep it simple for the state of Florida: It’s the First Amendment, stupid” | The Verge
How America turned against the First Amendment | The Verge
Why Sen. Brian Schatz thinks child safety can trump the First Amendment | The Verge
How the Kids Online Safety Act puts us all at risk | The Verge
Here’s a bunch of bananas shit Trump said today about breaking up Google | The Verge
Barack Obama on AI, free speech, and the future of the internet | The Verge
Why you’re seeing those gross political ads during the World Series | The Verge
Credits:
Decoder is a production of The Verge and part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.
Our producers are Kate Cox and Nick Statt. Our editor is Callie Wright. Our supervising producer is Liam James.
Decoder with Nilay Patel 