Stop private power from restraining free expression

I am writing to express my deep concern about the escalating threats to press freedom and the alarming consolidation of corporate media, which increasingly enables systematic censorship through regulatory leverage. Recent events—such as the firing of Jimmy Kimmel and the cancellation of Stephen Colbert’s show following criticism of powerful interests—highlight a disturbing trend: dissenting voices are being silenced not through direct government action, but through pressure and retaliation enabled by media conglomerates and regulatory bodies. This is censorship by proxy, and it undermines the First Amendment and the democratic principles it protects. The evidence is clear: • ABC reportedly paid $15 million to avoid defending journalism. • FCC Chairman Carr has allegedly used merger approvals to extract political concessions, including eliminating diversity programs and installing content monitors. • Media ownership has shrunk from 50 companies in 1983 to just 5 controlling 90% of the market today. • Nexstar’s pending $6.2 billion acquisition of Tegna would create a network of 265 stations reaching 80% of U.S. households. This level of consolidation threatens the diversity of viewpoints essential to a healthy democracy. When satire and commentary are punished while inflammatory rhetoric is tolerated, we face not just hypocrisy but authoritarian overreach. The Supreme Court has affirmed that government can act to prevent private power from restraining free expression. The ACLU has also recognized that media concentration threatens the marketplace of ideas. I urge you to take immediate action: 1. Challenge the Nexstar-Tegna merger and investigate its implications for media diversity and democratic accountability. 2. Hold FCC accountability hearings to examine the use of merger approvals for political leverage. 3. Cosponsor H.R.1880/S.867 to prohibit license revocation based on viewpoint discrimination. 4. Use appropriations power to add NDAA riders preventing content-based FCC enforcement. 5. Deploy the Congressional Review Act to overturn ownership rule changes that enable dangerous consolidation. Thank you for your actions on this urgent matter and for your continued commitment to defending our democracy.