Donald Trump threatens to shut down NBC and other TV news networks that criticize him

[Theodarzna]

Cord cutting doesn't ruin these networks. These are OTA broadcast networks.

If anything, cord cutting improves their situation by driving a resurgence in antenna use.

I've yet to meet a cord cutter that continued to own a TV.

[Masark]

I've yet to meet a cord cutter that continued to own a TV.

Antenna use in urban areas is up significantly over the last few years, matching pretty closely to the number of people not using cable. 19% don't use cable and 15% use antennas. So that's only 4% (just under 1/4 of cord cutters) that don't do TV at all or do it strictly online.

[Mormolyce]

That isn't good.

If he is against these networks, just let the process of cord cutting run its course and ruin them. Government censorship isn't the way to go.

"The failing" CNBC is owned by NBC Universal and it's posting record profits.

I think they'll be fine kek.

[Theodarzna]

"The failing" CNBC is owned by NBC Universal and it's posting record profits.

I think they'll be fine kek.

Good for them then?

In general though I'd prefer Television be gone anyway, but if it can survive, I guess it survives.

[Mormolyce]

Good for them then?

In general though I'd prefer Television be gone anyway, but if it can survive, I guess it survives.

It'll even survive open attacks on the First Amendment by the sitting President.

Because fortunately he's as incompetent as he is venal.

[Theodarzna]

It'll even survive open attacks on the First Amendment by the sitting President.

Because fortunately he's as incompetent as he is venal.

I don't think Trump will defeat NBC either.

Hopefully people just stop watching television and advertising that comes with it.

[Mormolyce]

I don't think Trump will defeat NBC either.

Hopefully people just stop watching television and advertising that comes with it.

I actually haven't watched TV for 2 years.

They'll eventually migrate to a new business model though.

[Zeth Hawkins]

Have read the article, but find the title confusing. When does Mr. President threaten to "shut down" NBC and other news networks?

[Breccia]

Have read the article, but find the title confusing.

A lot of people who read Trump's tweets about challenging the license of NBC for posting a true story did not find the title confusing. They took it seriously.

That's why some Congressmen called for the FCC to publicly refute any chance of shutting down NBC for posting a true story.

And the FCC responded, publicly refutin any chance of shutting down NBC for posting a true story.

The context was there to motivate two of the three branches of government to push back. Regardless, it's basically over. Trump has moved onto calling other things Fake News, namely, the allegations of sexual assault against him. You know, except for the "grab them by the pussy" comments he personally made about...um...nobody, I guess? He was either admitting sexual assault, or lying about committing it, and neither trait is endearing.

[FlatBootyJudy]

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/wo...-a7994861.html

He threatens to shut down the ones that post false information, that's the difference. How would you feel if I made up lies about you, wouldn't you want it silenced?

[NYC17]

He threatens to shut down the ones that post false information, that's the difference. How would you feel if I made up lies about you, wouldn't you want it silenced?

*Claims they are lies.

Trump isn't exactly a viable nor believable source of information.

Also, most people who make it to the presidency aren't such thin-skinned, whiny little shit stains that they feel the need to threaten one of the pillars of freedom.

[unfilteredJW]

He threatens to shut down the ones that post false information, that's the difference. How would you feel if I made up lies about you, wouldn't you want it silenced?

False info isn't info you don't agree with or want others knowing.

Words have meanings. Do try to keep up.

[DarkTZeratul]

He threatens to shut down the ones that post false information, that's the difference.

"False information" here being defined as "information Donald Trump doesn't like."

[Edge-]

He threatens to shut down the ones that post false information, that's the difference. How would you feel if I made up lies about you, wouldn't you want it silenced?

The First Amendment doesn't differentiate or care about what Trump thinks are and aren't lies. It doesn't take his personal feelings into account, unfortunately.

And we already have laws to deal with issues like libel and slander, if Trump feels they're not strong enough he's welcome to lead the charge in Congress to strengthen them.

[Blur4stuff]

If you shut down anyone telling lies to the american people you'd be shutting down Trump first and foremost. Just today he tried to sell some bullshit about past presidents not calling families of fallen soldiers. He did that, of course, because he got caught not giving a shit and had to make up something on the spot.

As for network/cable the first to go would be FOX. But this only matters to a point since the audience of network news is dying of old age.

[Orange Joe]

He threatens to shut down the ones that post false information, that's the difference. How would you feel if I made up lies about you, wouldn't you want it silenced?

We have libel and slander laws for a reason. If they were lies Trump has the full ability to sue anyone that lies and slanders his name.

[Wyrt]

He threatens to shut down the ones that post false information, that's the difference. How would you feel if I made up lies about you, wouldn't you want it silenced?

Oh please, you would throw an absolute tantrum if Obama had tried to shut down Fox news after all the lies Fox pumped out during his presidency.

[Felya]

We have libel and slander laws for a reason. If they were lies Trump has the full ability to sue anyone that lies and slanders his name.

... which he has... many times... sometimes to his own detriment.

[Xeones]

He threatens to shut down the ones that post false information, that's the difference. How would you feel if I made up lies about you, wouldn't you want it silenced?

You're full of shit.

This is about silencing free media. "Fake news" is the Trump buzz word for "not propaganda".

[Jastall]

He threatens to shut down the ones that post false information, that's the difference. How would you feel if I made up lies about you, wouldn't you want it silenced?

If he thinks they post libel or slander against him, he can try to sue them, or have Congress amend such laws if his feelings are hurt.

Beyond that, he doesn't get to define what are ''lies'' and he doesn't get to imply their funding should be cut because they don't say things the President doesn't like.