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Friend,
Welcome to the November 2024 edition of the Free Press Update, our monthly newsletter recapping as much of our work from the last month as possible into one email — and a LOT happened this month. Let’s get started:
Meet Brendan Carr, Trump’s FCC Pick
 Source: @BrendanCarrFCC via Twitter/X Wikipedia
President-elect Donald Trump named Brendan Carr as the next chairman of the Federal Communications Commission. Carr, who has lots of dangerous goals, has served as a commissioner at the FCC since 2017 — and co-authored a chapter of Project 2025, the far-right policy roadmap for the incoming administration.
Learn more about what’s at stake with Carr at the helm of the FCC.
The Media and Tech Billionaires That Helped Elect Trump
Photo: Flickr user Daniel Oberhaus
Surveying the wreckage after the 2024 election, many post-mortems have tried to explain the tactical or messaging mishaps that led to Trump’s victory. But a lot of them have missed one of the most obvious culprits: the media.
Yes, in this case, it is appropriate to blame the messengers — or at least their billionaire bosses. Read Free Press Co-CEO Craig Aaron’s blog about the media and tech billionaires that aided and abetted Trump’s restoration at every turn — and what we can do about it.
The House Advances Dangerous Legislation That Would Give the Trump Administration Special Powers to Crush Dissent
Photo: Forest Service, USDA
On Nov. 21, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 9495, a bill that would grant the incoming Trump administration broad and easily abused powers to revoke the tax-exempt status of a nonprofit by merely claiming that it is a “terrorist supporting organization.”
While this vote is a grave setback for free-speech rights in America, the legislation still needs to pass the Senate. More members of Congress are coming out against H.R. 9495 as hundreds of civil-society groups like Free Press Action and thousands of people across the political spectrum urge lawmakers to reject the bill. Read our press release to learn more about this dangerous legislation and what comes.
Free Press’ #eXit: Why We’re Leaving Twitter
For years, Free Press has sought to hold social-media companies accountable for amplifying disinformation and hate that endanger public health, safety and democracy. None have fallen as low as Twitter under Elon Musk’s ownership.
We refuse to give Twitter further legitimacy so we’re no longer posting on the platform. But there are plenty of ways you can stay connected with us!
Your Free Press Giving Guide
Photo: Stacie Isabella Turk/Ribbonhead
Giving season is almost here! We’re humbled and inspired by the generosity of our community of donors, supporters and activists who have long championed our campaigns to get everyone connected to high-speed internet, protect Net Neutrality, and stop racist hate and disinformation.
For those who can help support us financially, know that your donation is an investment in a better future for media and tech. Learn more about the many ways you can support our urgent work in the months ahead.
A View From the Field
Free Press’ Matt Wood and Yanni Chen flank Daniel Woofter, the attorney representing Free Press and allies in the Net Neutrality court case
Check out the latest updates from the field as our team works alongside our amazing allies and activists to create a more just and equitable media system. Below are snippets from our latest View from the Field blog — read the entire post!
- After the Federal Communications Commission restored the Net Neutrality rules and the agency’s authority to hold broadband providers accountable, industry groups representing companies like AT&T, Comcast and Verizon sued to overturn these protections. Free Press and several allies filed a joint brief in support of the FCC, and Policy Counsel Yanni Chen and Vice President of Policy and General Counsel Matt Wood traveled to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit in Cincinnati to help defend the rules.
- News Voices Director Vanessa Maria Graber took part in a Q&A with a class at Temple University’s Klein School of Journalism following a screening of Stripped for Parts: American Journalism on the Brink, a documentary about how hedge funds have decimated newspapers across the United States. The film features commentary from Senior Director of Journalism and Civic Information Mike Rispoli, who discusses the need for public funding to support local journalism.
- The Media 2070 team — Reparative Journalism Program Manager Diamond Hardiman, Media 2070 Senior Director Anshantia Oso, Senior Advisor of Reparative Policy and Programs Joseph Torres and Media 2070 Campaign Manager Venneikia Williams — brought the Black Future Newsstand exhibit to Chicago. This custom-built art installation — which debuted in Harlem in 2023 – invites people to consider the question “What does a media that loves Black people look, feel and sound like in a future where reparations are real?”
Get Us In Your Feeds
Are you connected with Free Press on social media? If not, we’ve featured some posts from the past month below — and while we’re no longer posting on Twitter/X, you can stay in the loop by following Free Press on platforms like Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
Thank you for reading!
Free Press Action has an important role to play in the months and years ahead. Our team has specialized skills that will be needed to confront and combat the country’s slide toward authoritarianism. We’ve fought a Trump administration and the media moguls enabling it before, and we’ll do it again. Will you rush a donation to Free Press Action today? Your gift will help us do what’s needed to fight authoritarianism.
Thank you for everything you do to help power our movement,
All of us at Free Press and Free Press Action
freepress.net
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