In 2003, political scientist Laurence Britt published an article in Free Inquiry outlining what he called “The 14 Early Signs of Fascism.” Among the list—right up there with nationalism, obsession with national security, and disdain for human rights—was Controlled Mass Media. It’s a chilling phrase. One that, unfortunately, couldn’t feel more relevant today.
Today we learned that ABC News will not renew the contract of one of the most respected journalists in American media: Terry Moran. Why? Because he had the courage to voice a personal opinion—his own professional perspective—about White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller and the policies he has shaped.
Unlike ABC, I will not bend the knee. I’m independent for a reason. That’s why I’m on Substack. That’s why my newsletter is funded by you—not by corporate ad dollars or political favors. I’m not afraid to speak the truth, even when it makes the powerful uncomfortable.
Let’s be honest. Was Moran’s comment “objective” in the strictest journalistic sense? Maybe not. But since when did expressing a personal viewpoint—especially one rooted in decades of reporting and insight—become a fireable offense? If that’s the new standard, let’s be consistent and clean house across all cable news networks, editorial pages, and even the White House briefing room.
This wasn’t just about Moran's comments in isolation. It was part of a much broader, more calculated effort. After Moran spoke out, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reportedly pressured ABC to take disciplinary action. Not long ago, ABC settled a $16 million lawsuit with Donald Trump. Now, with Moran's exit, they’re bending yet again. The pattern is undeniable.
It’s a familiar tactic for authoritarians: control the narrative, silence dissent, and create a media environment where only approved voices are allowed access. The consequences are devastating not just for journalism but for democracy itself.
Now, I’ve often criticized the so-called “mainstream” or “legacy” media. But my frustration has never been aimed at individual reporters like Terry Moran—people who have dedicated their careers to truth-telling. My issue is with the institutions that cave to political pressure and prioritize access or settlements over integrity.
Let me be clear: this is not normal. And if we don't call this out, we are allowing yet another step toward authoritarianism, toward fascism.
We’re at a crossroads. One path leads to more censorship, more control, more silence. The other leads to accountability, transparency, and yes—freedom of the press. We still have a choice. But we need to act while we still can.
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