Former ABC News correspondent Terry Moran’s recent warnings about the potential collapse of independent news media under President Donald Trump have sparked significant discussion, especially following his abrupt dismissal from the network in June after a scathing social media critique of the former president. During an interview with former MSNBC host Chris Matthews on Substack, Moran expressed deep concerns that, unless Trump is ‘stopped,’ the U.S. could face a situation where independent news media is eradicated, with outlets losing their independence and power to Trump’s allies.
Moran’s fears stem from a growing trend of media consolidation and pressure from the Trump administration, as evidenced by recent developments like the CBS/Paramount settlement and the Federal Communications Commission’s investigation into ABC News over its fact-checking of Trump during the 37th presidential debate. He argued that the current administration’s approach is reminiscent of authoritarian regimes where media outlets are stripped of their independence and power, with their assets sold to loyalist entities. Comparing this to the actions of leaders such as Viktor Orbán in Hungary, Vladimir Putin in Russia, and the Law and Justice Party in Poland, Moran emphasized that without intervention, the same pattern could unfold in the United States.
Furthermore, Moran, who was fired in June after a scathing social media rant against Trump and White House aide Stephen Miller, has been vocal about the role of journalists in society. In a separate Substack interview with The Bulwark’s Tim Miller, he stated that it is not a journalist’s job to be ‘objective.’ Instead, he argued that the role of a journalist should be to be ‘fair and accurate,’ acknowledging the need for a nuanced approach to reporting in a politically charged environment. His comments reflect a broader debate within the media about the responsibilities and ethics of journalists in the face of political pressure.
As the media landscape continues to evolve, Moran’s warnings serve as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of unchecked political influence over independent journalism. The situation has drawn attention from various stakeholders, including media organizations, policymakers, and the public, all of whom are closely monitoring the developments in the news industry under the current administration’s influence.