By Elise Gaines OMAHA, Ne.- Censorship within the media has caused concern across the U.S., particularly local journalists. Late night talk show host, Jimmy Kimmel was recently suspended due to his comments on the recent death of podcaster, Charlie Kirk. The suspension caused an uproar as viewers believed Kimmel’s suspension was an indication of threatening the right to free speech.
The Library of Congress states that “Congress shall make no law…abridging the freedom of speech or press.” A late-night talk show being suspended could be arguably a non-threat to freedom a speech. However, more censorship and events would say otherwise.
CNN reported that the Pentagon will heavily be restricting reporting which got negative feedback from journalists. The new policy will require the press to have the correct credentials to report within the Pentagon. The restrictions in relation to the constitution, question the protections of a free press in the U.S. democracy.
Chris Bowling, Omaha Reporter for the Flatwater Free Press, says, “When top leaders is doing things like that, it sends a message to leaders on a local level of what is acceptable, what is appropriate. You know, you just follow by example.” Bowling is concerned with the increased censorship lately, but believes he is still able to fully exercise his right to free speech.
Omaha has an active news scene with media like the Faltwater Free Press, Omaha World Herald, KETV, KMTV, WOWT, etc. Locally and nationally, all journalists still rely on the same constitutional protections. However, the challenges come when they need to access government information. Bowling says, “There are ways for people to obfuscate information. So yeah, I don’t feel like we’re being censored. But are we always getting the full story?”
Locally, freedom of speech is especially important because of the media presence in Omaha. University of Nebrasaka at Omaha Associate Professor, Dr. Andrea Melhoff Weare says, “It’s important for us as experts on this topic to help inform our lawmakers of what they’re talking about, because many of them don’t have a major or a bachelor’s degree in media or journalism or political science, for that matter.”
The social media platform, TikTok has also been a concern for not just journalist, but social media users as well. Since TikTok went dark beginning of 2025, TikTok users feel like they are no longer able to use their free speech without a video being taken down, censored, or being banned from the app. The concern for free speech on TikTok increases with the recent purchase of the app by Oracle, an American multinational technology company.
Users noticed controversial political topics and human rights issues caused them to be censored. There’s a general sentiment among that the TikTok algorithm or TikTok itself picks and chooses what can and can’t be said. Regardless of if posts or bullying or discriminatory in any way.
Leave feedback about this