Statement of REC Networks: Charlie Kirk and freedom of speech
Free speech is protected speech, even if someone does not agree with it.
The “bonnet on” policy of REC Networks means that we must ignore the extremes on both sides of an issue and view an issue directly head-on without any partisan influence.
What we see here was a public figure, who was shot and killed for expressing their firmly-held beliefs to a public audience. Beliefs that are held by some people, but not by others.
While we still don’t have all of the answers, if Wednesday’s shooting was politically motivated due to statements made by Charlie Kirk, then it was a direct assault on the first amendment. REC does not condone such politically motivated violence, regardless of the partisan motivation of the one committing the act of violence.
A family has lost a loved one, most likely due to one individual practicing a basic tenet of our American constitutional system, the right to speak freely and another with a complete disregard for our Constitution.
We must continue to uphold the first amendment and speak up. Not everyone will agree, but that’s what makes us Americans. We can make our own decisions. We do that at the ballot box. Silencing voices have never silenced beliefs.
We must assure that everyone’s first amendment rights are upheld and defended by the agency in charge of regulating broadcasting in the United States, regardless of the viewpoint being delivered.