Letter to the editor: Why no FCC punishment for Watters?
When Jimmy Kimmel responded to the murder of Charlie Kirk with words that were unfavorable to Donald Trump and his minions, Brendan Carr, the head of the Federal Communications Commission and a Trump sycophant, threatened to use the heavy hand of government to silence the host and his network.
After Trump endured a malfunctioning escalator and teleprompter before delivering his bombastic and hateful speech at the United Nations, Fox “News” Channel personality Jesse Watters suggested on-air that the United Nations building be “bombed,” “gassed” or “destroyed,” a clear incitement to violence. Watters further characterized the malfunctions as an “insurrection” against the president.
After the United Nations expressed alarm, Watters apologized, but not on the air.
In 2021, Watters told a group from Turning Point, Charlie Kirk’s organization, to “ambush” Dr. Anthony Fauci in the streets and to record a “kill shot.” Watters suffered no repercussions for that incitement to violence, which likely played a role in the doctor and his family receiving death threats and requiring an extraordinary level of security.
We have yet to hear from the FCC regarding Watters’ latest provocation: no condemnation of what Watters said or a threat to require Fox News to go dark. It’s obvious to me that the FCC has no problem with incitements to violence if they are made by those who are associated with this president.
Oren Spiegler
Peters
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