O'Reilly Update Morning Edition, December 23, 2025

Episode Overview

In this brief "Morning Edition" episode, Bill O’Reilly discusses the pervasive issue of censorship, both internationally and within the United States. He examines how both government and private-sector censorship limit free expression, with a particular focus on American media and the exclusion of conservative voices. O'Reilly uses recent statistics from the Media Research Center regarding late-night television as an example, and addresses the broader cultural consequences of media bias and celebrity influence.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Global Censorship Practices

• International Censorship: O'Reilly highlights that censorship is common internationally, including in democratic nations.
  • “Most governments around the world practice censorship. Even places like France, which touts democracy, finds ways to stifle free expression.” (00:08-00:15)
  • Points out severe punishments for expression in authoritarian countries: China, Russia, Iran, and Saudi Arabia.

2. US Approaches to Censorship

• Legal Protections vs. Reality:
  • Government censorship in the USA is illegal, and whistleblower laws and civil lawsuits protect citizens from government overreach.
    • “Here in the USA, censorship is illegal in government agencies. There are whistleblower laws and civil lawsuits to protect the folks from totalitarianism. But in the private sector, censorship is allowed and this is damaging our country.” (00:28-00:41)

3. Media, Private Sector, and Conservative Exclusion

• Study on Late-Night TV: O'Reilly cites a Media Research Center (MRC) study exposing a virtual blackout of conservative guests on late-night television in 2025.
  • “Found only two non-liberal guests appeared to talk policy the entire year of 2025. Two out of hundreds.” (00:45-00:51)
• Notable Exceptions:
  • Greg Gutfeld discussing “boozing” with Jimmy Fallon (01:06)
  • An unnamed economist discussing tariffs with Jon Stewart (01:09)
• Signal Sent by Major Networks:
  • Major networks (CBS, NBC, ABC, CNN) clearly indicate conservative voices are unwelcome.
  • “Huge media companies like CBS, NBC, ABC, CNN have sent a clear signal that no conservatives need apply.” (01:09-01:23)
• Bill Maher as an Outlier:
  • O’Reilly notes Maher’s willingness to buck this trend on HBO, but mentions he’s faced backlash for it.
  • “To his credit, Bill Maher has defied the blatant blackballing on HBO, but he's taken enormous heat for doing so.” (01:23-01:30)

4. Societal Implications

• Media Influence and the “Lemmings Factor”:
  • Large media companies powerfully shape public opinion, especially among the less informed.
  • “Media companies reach millions of Americans every day. People who don't know very much are easily swayed. Most celebrities hate Donald Trump. So the ill-informed hate Donald Trump. It's the lemmings factor.” (01:30-01:47)
• Moral Stance: O’Reilly closes with a clear condemnation:
  • “This censorship is really wrong.” (01:47)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On international censorship:
  “Even places like France, which touts democracy, finds ways to stifle free expression.” (00:08-00:15)
• On the private sector’s role:
  “But in the private sector, censorship is allowed and this is damaging our country.” (00:41-00:45)
• On the exclusion of conservatives from media:
  “Huge media companies like CBS, NBC, ABC, CNN have sent a clear signal that no conservatives need apply.” (01:09-01:23)
• On public opinion and celebrity influence:
  “Most celebrities hate Donald Trump. So the ill-informed hate Donald Trump. It's the lemmings factor.” (01:33-01:47)
• O’Reilly’s clear conclusion:
  “This censorship is really wrong.” (01:47)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:08: O’Reilly introduces the topic of global censorship
• 00:28: Contrasts government and private-sector censorship in the US
• 00:45: Presents Media Research Center study on late-night TV guest bias
• 01:23: Discusses Bill Maher defying industry trends
• 01:30: Examines the impact of media and celebrity influence on public opinion
• 01:47: O’Reilly’s closing statement against censorship

Episode Tone

Direct, critical of mainstream media, and concerned about the implications of private-sector censorship for American democracy and informed citizenship. O’Reilly’s language is assertive, focusing on what he sees as a pressing and underacknowledged threat.

For a more in-depth analysis, visit BillOReilly.com.