Discussion » Statements » Rosie's Corner » I'm not sure how freedom of speech fits in here. Would the FCC allow a TV station that is all racist/bigot 24/7?
RosieG

I'm not sure how freedom of speech fits in here. Would the FCC allow a TV station that is all racist/bigot 24/7?

For those who adore what Bimbo Barr tweeted. Gather all of them together in one spot and let them say whatever the he** they want to say. Give all the like-minded folks a place to go to get their fill of folks who are aligned with their views? I know there are sponsors out there who would be PROUD to sponsor such shows. Like Hobby Lobby or Papa John's Pizza or Chick Fil A. David Duke could pull in all his supporters. Bimbo Barr could have another "family" show and just go all out with her pithy witty views. Not too sure which actors would be willing to be on it but for sure Scott Baio would be right there with her. Doesn't the First Amendment protect all kinds of speech, even hate speech, racist speech, bigotspeak?

Posted - May 30, 2018
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  • 1233
    The 1st amendment protects everything. The whole point of having a free speech is that we recognise that that state can't be trusted to define what is and isn't acceptable. I'm therefore a free speech absolutist even for speech that I personally think is abhorrent.

    However there is a difference between an employer and the state. Whether an employer chooses to continue associating with employee is a matter for the employer, not the state.

    You need to apply your principles consistently. If you think a tv company is within its rights to cancel Roseanne over one racist tweet, than the NFL is within its rights to punish people for flag disrespect.

    My personal opinion is that, within reason, no action should be taken over a single incident. People should only be disciplined for behaviour that is repeated and contrary to the stated values of the company.

    Corporations shouldn't be political. They should simply act to maximise profit, which of course includes avoiding alienating the public. The NFL lost significant revenue by players offending patriots. That scum can easily be replaced It's not the end of the NFL. You can't replace the Roseanne in Roseanne. Roseanne is a very successful show that makes money. ABC has most definitely acted against its financial interest. Cancelling the show reeks of the deep state finding an excuse to bury a popular right wing celebrity.
      May 30, 2018 6:07 AM MDT
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