Former US President Donald Trump has launched a fresh offensive against major television networks, specifically targeting ABC and NBC, demanding they should be made smaller rather than allowed to expand. In a strongly worded social media post, Trump accused these networks of being biased toward the left and functioning as an extension of the Democratic Party.
Trump's Truth Social Rant Against Media Giants
Through his Truth Social platform on Sunday, Trump expressed strong opposition to any potential expansion of what he termed 'Radical Left Networks'. The former president specifically named ABC and NBC, describing them as disastrous entities that operate as a virtual arm of the Democrat Party.
"If this would also allow the Radical Left Networks to 'enlarge,' I would not be happy. ABC & NBC, in particular, are a disaster - A VIRTUAL ARM OF THE DEMOCRAT PARTY," Trump stated in his post. He further demanded that these networks should be viewed as an illegal campaign apparatus for the Radical Left and insisted on no expansion for what he called fake news networks.
Trump's outburst concluded with a clear directive: "NO EXPANSION OF THE FAKE NEWS NETWORKS. If anything, make them SMALLER!"
Context Behind Trump's Media Attack
The former president's social media post came as a direct response to a Newsmax report indicating that Federal Communications Commission (FCC) head Brendan Carr is considering granting television networks significantly broader reach following a proposed merger between Nexstar Media Group and Tegna Inc.
This isn't the first time Trump has targeted media organizations during his political career. His administration has consistently attempted to restrict press access while escalating attacks on media outlets he perceives as hostile.
The situation intensified recently when FCC Commissioner Carr threatened to revoke broadcast licenses of ABC-owned local stations and their affiliates. This threat came after late-night comedian Jimmy Kimmel made comments about conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, according to Bloomberg News reports.
Broader Media Landscape Implications
Trump's latest media offensive occurs against the backdrop of significant upheaval in the television industry. Warner Bros Discovery Inc is currently contemplating a potential sale, which could create additional turmoil for a company that has changed ownership four times within seven years.
The media industry has undergone substantial transformation in recent years. In 2018, AT&T Inc. acquired Time Warner Inc. to strengthen its position in film and television production. Four years later, WarnerMedia merged with Discovery Inc. to form the current entity.
Warner Bros. has faced considerable challenges under current leadership as viewers and advertisers increasingly shift from traditional television to streaming platforms. However, recent takeover rumors have sparked investor interest, causing the company's shares to nearly triple in value over the past two months.
The company currently boasts a market capitalisation of approximately $57 billion while carrying around $33.5 billion in debt, indicating the high stakes involved in media industry consolidation and the broader context of Trump's demands for network shrinkage.
