The Federal Trade Commission’s investigation into Media Matters isn’t just a swipe at a progressive media watchdog—it’s a direct threat to the First Amendment rights of all Americans.
In his latest article for RealClearMarkets, Market Institute Senior Fellow Norm Singleton sounds the alarm on the FTC’s request for communications between Media Matters and other groups that monitor media content. The agency is reportedly looking for evidence of coordination aimed at pressuring advertisers to leave Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter).
“If the FTC succeeds in bringing a case against Media Matters, it will have criminalized boycotts of businesses as well as, in the case of media companies, their advertisers. The FTC ignores the fact that boycotts are protected by the First Amendment.”
As Singleton reminds readers, boycotts are a time-honored American tradition—used by everyone from the Founders to civil rights activists to religious conservatives:
“Boycotts have played a role in American politics—starting with the boycott of British tea that led to the Boston Tea Party… Boycotts remain a popular tool of both the left and right.”
Yet now, the Biden FTC seems prepared to punish citizens for using their purchasing power to express political beliefs.
“Those tempted to support the FTC‘s investigation of… Media Matters should consider how this precedent will be used by a future FTC Chair to target right-of-center groups.”
Rather than weaponizing federal agencies against advocacy groups, Singleton argues the FTC should be investigating real threats to liberty—like government officials pressuring tech platforms to suppress disfavored speech.
“Instead of investigating private organizations, FTC Chair Ferguson should be investigating Biden Administration officials—including the big guy—who pressured social media companies to censor Americans who held ‘unapproved’ opinions.”
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