The MeidasTouch Podcast: Former FCC Commissioner Wheeler on Trump Attacking Media
Date: October 5, 2025
Host(s): Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas (MeidasTouch Network)
Guest: Tom Wheeler (Former Chairman, Federal Communications Commission)
Episode Overview
This episode spotlights mounting concerns about the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) under the leadership of Brendan Carr amid the Trump administration, focusing on Carr’s latest attempts to consolidate media ownership and silence dissent. The MeidasTouch brothers bring in former FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler for expert insight on what’s happening at the FCC, Carr’s history, the danger to diversity of voices in media, and what citizens can do to push back.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Protests at the FCC and Current Developments
[01:46–06:13]
- Protests against FCC Chairman Brendan Carr: Activists protested at an FCC meeting, chanting “Fire Carr, the censorship czar,” in response to Carr’s actions perceived as attacking the First Amendment and threatening media figures critical of Trump.
- Pending Testimony and Subpoenas: Carr is set to testify before the Senate Commerce Committee about his involvement in the “shakedown” of ABC and Disney, notably pressuring networks over late-night host Jimmy Kimmel’s anti-Trump jokes.
- Media Ownership Rules: Carr is pushing to change ownership rules, potentially allowing a few Trump-aligned oligarchs to control most local news stations and push a unified pro-Trump agenda.
- Implications: Ben stresses that dismantling the diversity protections in media ownership could turn US local news into state propaganda machines, akin to media in authoritarian countries.
2. Tom Wheeler’s Perspective on FCC Changes
[06:13–10:26]
- Historical Context: Wheeler explains that the 1934 Communications Act enshrined “diversity of voices and ownership” as foundational to broadcasting and democracy.
- Quote:
“The founding principle was a diversity of voices and diversity of ownership, so that the debate that is so essential to democracy could take place.” — Tom Wheeler [08:00]
- Quote:
- Current Risks: Carr’s plan would further erode diversity, concentrating ownership in the hands of overtly Trump-friendly corporations.
- Example: Nexstar Media’s merger with Tenga, currently illegal under FCC rules, is expected to be legalized retroactively if Carr changes the regulations.
3. Public Action and Legal Recourse
[10:26–13:54]
- Rulemaking Process: The FCC has started a "notice to proposed rulemaking," open for public comment (initial period: 30 days, reply period: 30 days). The rule will likely pass on a party-line vote.
- Legal Avenues: Opponents can challenge the rule in court, especially since the Supreme Court recently curtailed agency powers (overruling Chevron deference).
- Quote:
“There, you know, I don’t want to get down into the weeds of communications law, but ... the limit on national reach was set by Congress, and suddenly the FCC thinks it can change that.” — Tom Wheeler [12:34]
4. The End of Chevron Deference and Power of the FCC
[13:54–15:36]
- Impact of Chevron Deference Overturn: The courts can now scrutinize agency rulemaking more strictly, making it easier to challenge Carr’s changes.
- Host’s Reaction: Ben reflects on the surreal (even “cartoon villain”) quality of Carr’s actions and rhetoric, which fly in the face of the FCC’s mission to promote diversity.
5. Brendan Carr’s Background and Project 2025
[15:36–19:16]
- Wheeler’s Take on Carr:
- Carr is an intelligent, articulate strategist, but is using his skills against the public interest, promoting Trump’s agenda under the guise of “public interest.”
- Quote:
“My problem is that he’s putting those significant skills to work in efforts that are antithetical to the public interest.” — Tom Wheeler [17:36]
- Carr authored the FCC section of Project 2025; it ironically starts: “The FCC should promote free speech.”
- The “Public Interest” as a Weapon: Carr defines “public interest” as aligning institutions with Trump, an inherently vague term twisted for partisan enforcement.
- Quote:
“Right now, this fuzzy term, the public interest, which we all want to support, is being interpreted in a quite unfuzzy way to mean things that agree with Donald Trump.” — Tom Wheeler [18:54]
- Quote:
6. Call for Awareness and Citizen Action
[19:16–22:01]
- The Stakes for Free Expression: The hosts highlight fears not just for media diversity but for comedians and public figures who oppose Trump rhetoric.
- Wheeler’s Advice:
- Awareness is the first step; people should submit comments via FCC.gov and prepare to stand up for a true diversity of voices.
- Quote:
“Action begins with awareness. And I’m just grateful for the fact that there is now some awareness because of this ham handed handling of the whole Jimmy Kimmel exercise.” — Tom Wheeler [21:17]
7. The Responsibility of Citizens
[22:01–23:22]
- Participatory Democracy: Ben underscores the lesson: Americans can no longer take for granted that appointed officials will protect democratic norms; active civic engagement is needed now more than ever.
- Quote:
“We the people can’t be idle and hope that there are people like you, Tom. We need to have active roles in understanding what’s actually happening in the government and who these people are.” — Ben Meiselas [22:18]
- Quote:
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On the threat to the First Amendment:
“An autocrat’s favorite tool is a monopoly on telling the story. And if you can control the people who tell that story, then you’ve got an autocrat’s greatest dream.” — Tom Wheeler [07:25]
-
On the shifting power of the FCC:
“The fact that there is an awareness of the power of the FCC, the fact that there is an awareness of the power of one individual to carry out the instructions of President Trump using the powers of the FCC is something that we all need to be aware of.” — Tom Wheeler [20:52]
-
On public interest and free speech:
“The first seven words in the FCC chapter in Project 2025, which Brendan Carr wrote, are ‘the FCC should promote free speech.’ Really? That’s what we just saw in Jimmy Kimmel?” — Tom Wheeler [16:35]
Important Timestamps
- 01:53: Introduction to FCC protests and background on Carr’s power grab.
- 06:13: Tom Wheeler joins and provides historical/legal context.
- 08:00: Discussion of 1934 Communications Act and diversity of voices.
- 10:26: Current proposed changes at the FCC.
- 11:36: Explanation of the rulemaking process and how the public can comment.
- 13:54: Legal landscape post-Chevron and implications for challenging FCC overreach.
- 15:36: Wheeler’s professional history with Brendan Carr and critique of Carr’s agenda.
- 19:16: FCC’s definition of “public interest” and its misuse.
- 20:37: Wheeler’s call for awareness and citizen participation.
- 22:01: Ben’s reflection on civic responsibility.
- 23:22: Episode wrap-up.
Editorial Tone & Takeaways
The conversation is urgent, clear, and occasionally peppered with incredulity at the state of the FCC. Humor and brotherly banter provide some levity, but the mood is one of alarm about threats to free speech and democracy from concentrated media power. Wheeler is factual and non-hyperbolic; the hosts amplify his message for their activist audience.
Final Thoughts & Call to Action
- The FCC matters: Americans must pay attention to seemingly obscure agencies like the FCC because those in power can use regulatory changes to shape public discourse nationwide.
- Action steps:
- Stay informed by following developments at the FCC.
- Participate in the public comment process on fcc.gov.
- Spread awareness about the importance of media diversity.
- Adopt a proactive role in defending democratic institutions.
Summary prepared for listeners seeking a comprehensive, timestamped overview of the episode’s main points and discussions.