Tucker Carlson, the former Fox News host, revealed on Tuesday his plans to launch a new show on Twitter, inspired by his previous cable news program.
In a video announcement on the platform, Carlson emphasized the importance of preserving free speech and maintaining a place where ideas can be freely exchanged.
“The only remaining platform that allows free speech is Twitter,” Carlson said. He noted that while Twitter is not a partisan site and welcomes everyone, most news sites posting on it are “thinly disguised propaganda outlets.”
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He argued that news consumers are being manipulated by news outlets.
“At the most basic level, the news you consume is a lie, a lie of the stealthiest and most insidious kind. Facts have been withheld on purpose, along with proportion and perspective. You are being manipulated,” Carlson said.
Carlson‘s comments echo those of Twitter CEO Elon Musk Issues Dire Warning to Parents About Public Education” rel=”noopener” target=”_blank”>Elon Musk, who purchased the platform last fall and stressed the importance of a democratic space for the exchange of ideas.
In response to Carlson’s announcement, Musk clarified that Twitter has not signed any exclusive deal with the former Fox News host, who will be subject to the same rules and rewards as all content creators.
Musk also encouraged individuals from across the political spectrum to create content on the platform.
Carlson, who was fired from Fox News last month, hosted the network’s top-rated program.
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The Los Angeles Times reported that Fox Corp. chairman Rupert Murdoch made the decision to fire Carlson, partly due to disagreements over his coverage of the January 6, 2021, Capitol incursion. In particular, Murdoch took issue with Carlson’s questioning of the role federal law enforcement agencies may have played on that day.
In his video announcement, Carlson emphasized the importance of free speech for a democratic society, stating, “You can’t have a free society if people aren’t allowed to say what they think is true.”
He argued that speech is the fundamental prerequisite for democracy, protected by the First Amendment. “Free speech is the main right that you have. Without it, you have no others,” he said.
Musk also highlighted the interactive nature of Twitter, which allows users to “interact, critique, and refute whatever is said.”
He noted that any misleading content would be flagged by the @CommunityNotes feature.
In terms of rewards, Musk said that content creators would soon be able to earn advertising revenue and subscriptions based on the number of subscribers and advertising views associated with their content.
Carlson’s announcement video quickly gained traction, garnering over 7 million views within an hour of its release.
“Free speech is the main right that you have. Without it, you have no others. See you soon,” Carlson concluded.
The upcoming show will be an opportunity for Carlson to continue sharing his perspective while engaging with a wide range of users on the platform.
The move also underscores the ongoing battle for free speech in a time when many feel that their voices are being censored or flat out silenced.