Trump threatens TV broadcast licenses after networks skip speech
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Add Axios on Google President Donald Trump addresses the nation from the East Room of the White House on July 16. Photo: Saul Loeb/Pool via Getty Images
President Trump threatened again to revoke the broadcast licenses of ABC and NBC on Thursday, after those networks decided not to preempt their regularly scheduled programming to cover his address on election integrity live.
Why it matters: The Federal Communications Commission has already launched probes into broadcasters, alleging their practices violate public interest standards. Those efforts could have serious business consequences.
State of play: CBS and Fox were the only major broadcasters to preempt their regularly scheduled primetime programming for Trump's speech .
Between the lines: The subject of the speech likely pushed the networks to exert caution.
The big picture: The Trump administration has increased pressure on broadcast networks through a series of FCC investigations and regulatory probes led by chairman Brendan Carr, a Trump ally.
Zoom out: CBS' decision to carry sections of the speech live is notable because broadcasters often move in unison when deciding whether to air a presidential address requested by the White House.
Context: CBS parent Paramount Skydance has cozied up to the Trump administration as it seeks regulatory approval to close its merger with Warner Bros. Discovery.
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