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So to Speak: The Free Speech Podcast takes an uncensored look at the world of free expression through personal stories and candid conversations.
New episodes post every other Thursday.

Sep 30, 2025

What is the Federal Communications Commission, and why does its chairman think the agency can regulate Jimmy Kimmel’s jokes?

Note: Shortly after recording this episode, Nexstar and Sinclair announced they would return “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” to their stations.

Joining us:

Timestamps: 

00:00 Intro 

04:46 What’s the FCC?

07:35 What’s the “public interest” standard?

14:20 What is the “fairness doctrine”?

25:21 What is the “broadcast hoax” rule?

28:55 What is “news distortion”?

35:31 Role of network affiliates

41:15 What happens now?

Read the transcript here: https://www.thefire.org/research-learn/so-speak-podcast-transcript-what-going-fcc

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