Slate News What Next: TBD | The FTC’s Merger Shakedown
Jun 29, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Kate Conger, a technology reporter for The New York Times and co-author of "Character Limit," dives into the chaotic aftermath of Musk's Twitter takeover. She explores how his leadership has shifted the landscape of brand advertising, increase in hate speech, and advertiser hesitance. The conversation also sheds light on the FTC's startling involvement in merger regulations, addressing the complex dynamics between politics, advertising, and free speech in today’s digital ecosystem.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Musk's Twitter Hurt Ad Revenue
- Elon Musk's Twitter acquisition led to a rise in hate speech and advertiser pullback.
- Musk disengaged from advertisers and reduced content moderation, causing ad revenue to fall sharply.
FTC Limits Political Ad Boycotts
- FTC approved a major ad agency merger with a condition banning political boycotts.
- Agencies can't advise clients to avoid platforms due to political content but clients can decide themselves.
FTC Chair Targets Ad Boycotts
- FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson links advertiser boycotts to illegal collusion.
- He sees restricting ad spending on platforms as a threat to free speech, especially conservative voices.
