Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and Democracy #1746 What an actual attack on free speech looks like
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Oct 25, 2025 
In this insightful discussion, guests tackle the pressing issue of free speech under attack. Anna Gomez, an FCC commissioner, shares concerns about regulatory limits on content and the pressure on broadcasters. Investigative reporter Ken Klippenstein dives into NSPM-7, revealing its implications for civil liberties. Historian Mark Bray sheds light on the anti-fascist movement, addressing the misconceptions surrounding it and the threats he's faced. Together, they explore the chilling effects of government actions on dissent and the media landscape.
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FCC Threats Chill Free Speech
- The FCC lacks constitutional authority to revoke broadcast licenses for content, but threats alone chill speech and force corporate capitulation.
- Commissioner Anna Gomez warns staff-level investigations bypass judicial review and coerce companies to abandon DEI and editorial independence.
Powell Memo Shaped Today's Media
- The Powell Memo and subsequent corporate campaigns reshaped media to favor pro-business viewpoints and seeded today's conservative media ecosystem.
- This long-term capture helps explain billionaire influence and ideological shifts at outlets like CBS.
NSPM 7 Enables Pre-Crime Policing
- NSPM 7 is a presidential memorandum directing federal agencies to prioritize domestic terrorism using broad 'indicators' that can criminalize speech.
- Ken Klippenstein explains this enables pre-crime policing and already chills nonprofit and activist speech.
