US — #WeeklyAddress October 9 – October 15: President threatens to revoke licenses of media networks

President Trump threatens licenses of “fake news” media

On the morning of October 11, NBC News published a story claiming President Trump called for an increase in the US nuclear arsenal. Two hours later, Trump sent out a tweet attacking the network for “fake news.” He then sent an additional tweet suggesting that media licenses should be challenged if they report false information.

According to the Federal Communications Commission’s regulations, the FCC does “not license TV or radio networks (such as CBS, NBC, ABC, or Fox) or other organizations with which stations have relationships (such as PBS or NPR), except to the extent that those entities may also be station licensees.” During a press conference in the Oval Office that afternoon, President Trump elaborated, stating “it’s frankly disgusting the way the press is able to write whatever they want to write, and people should look into it.”

Later that evening, the President doubled down on his statements, tweeting that revoking a network’s license would be an appropriate way to punish news outlets.

His statements have earned him considerable backlash, with the National Association of Broadcasters issuing a statement reminding the President that “the founders of our nation set as a cornerstone of our democracy the First Amendment, forever enshrining and protecting freedom of the press. It is contrary to this fundamental right for any government official to threaten the revocation of an FCC license simply because of a disagreement with the reporting of a journalist.”

“The President’s suggestion that media licenses should be challenged or revoked for coverage that he personally dislikes is completely unacceptable,” said Margaux Ewen, Advocacy and Communications Director for RSF’s North America bureau. “If the government of the United States were to proceed in this direction, not only would they be completely disregarding the First Amendment, but they would put themselves in the company of authoritarian governments around the world that control media licenses according to loyalty to the head of state or ruling parliamentary party.”

Indiana lawmaker proposes bill to license journalists

In light of President Trump’s statements, Indiana lawmaker Jim Lucas discussed a legislative proposal he put forward earlier this year that would require journalists to apply for a license with state police. An exact replica of Indiana’s law for handgun permits, the new legislation would require journalists to pay $75 for a lifetime license subject to suspension, and journalists could be deemed ineligible if they have felony convictions. The bill has not yet been formally introduced, but Lucas has repeatedly spoken of the draft legislation when the issue of gun control has come up, as he states the proposed bill is in response to unsuccessful efforts to repeal the handgun permit law. When asked about his plans to introduce the bill by local newspaper Indystar, he claimed that his decision would depend “on how egregious and irresponsible [journalists] are between now and then.” Many organizations have condemned the proposal, calling it “an absolute non starter” and a threat to free speech.

Actor assaults Univision reporter

During a red carpet event for a sponsored event on October 10 in Los Angeles, Univision reporter Paco Fuentes was slapped by Mexican soap opera actor Eduardo Yanez after a question about his relationship with his estranged son. Fuentes was taken to the hospital as a precaution, and is pressing charges against Yanez for assault and battery. Univision released a statement condemning the assault:

"Univision News demands respect for the physical safety of its reporters and expresses complete disapproval of any senseless act of violence against them. Censorship and acts of violence against journalists are reproachable no matter the source."

This act of assault against a journalist simply doing their job is not an isolated incident. So far this year, there have been at least 29 physical assaults against journalists according to the US Press Freedom Tracker. The frequency of physical acts of aggression towards members of the press is hardly surprising given the anti-press rhetoric that regularly comes out of the White House.

President Trump tweets about “Fake News Media” reporting on his Chief of Staff

This week the President also focused his attention on news reports stating his Chief of Staff, General John Kelly, was facing pressure to resign. On Tuesday, October 10, Trump reaffirmed his commitment to his Chief of Staff while simultaneously attacking the media for their reporting.

During a White House press briefing on Thursday, October 12, General Kelly made a rare appearance to refute claims of his imminent departure from the White House. When asked about the President’s frustrations, he said:

“It is astounding to me how much is misreported. I will give you the benefit of the doubt that you are operating off of contacts, leaks, whatever you call them. But I would...say maybe develop some better sources.”

ESPN reporter is suspended for tweets critical of NFL team

ESPN reporter Jemele Hill has been suspended for two weeks following tweets that criticized NFL Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and suggested a boycott of Cowboys sponsors. On Monday, October 9, ESPN’s public relations’ Twitter account announced her suspension, claiming this was her “second violation of social media guidelines.” President Trump commented on her suspension with a tweet claiming that ESPN’s ratings were dropping due to Hill’s presence on the network.

Last month, President Trump and other White House officials called for Jemele Hill to be fired following her tweets referring to the President as a “white supremacist.” At the time, ESPN stood by Hill, claiming she was entitled to her own opinion as long as she made it clear it did not represent the network’s.

Trump criticizes “partisan media” for failure to report on stock market

President Trump also took to Twitter to express frustration with what he perceived as a lack of coverage of stock market growth.

Contrary to the White House’s assertions, publications like Fox News, the Washington Post, Business Insider, and The Hill, have recently reported on the stock market.

President attacks Senator Corker and “failing” New York Times

A day after the New York Times published an interview with Republican Senator Bob Corker, who sharply criticized the President for his diplomacy skills and maturity, Trump lashed out at the two on twitter:

The NYT responded by stating that both they and Bob Corker’s team wanted to record all conversations to ensure accuracy. The President has previously accused the NYT (often calling them “failing”) of perpetuating false information against him, at least 28 times on Twitter since taking office.

The United States ranks 43rd out of 180 countries in RSF's 2017 World Press Freedom Index after falling 2 places in the last year.

For the latest updates, follow RSF on twitter @RSF_en.