Practice Lateral Reading
Verify information by checking multiple sources simultaneously. Research technique for accuracy.
Practice Topics
Quiz topics where you can practice and develop this skill.
Trump tells Brendan Carr to revoke licenses of critical networks
President Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that networks giving him only bad publicity should have their broadcast licenses revoked, saying the decision will be up to FCC Chair Brendan Carr. ABC had suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live the day before after Kimmel linked Charlie Kirk's alleged killer to Trump's MAGA movement, prompting Carr to warn broadcasters they could lose licenses for airing garbage content. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau directed consular officials to consider revoking visas for foreign nationals who praise, rationalize, or make light of Kirk's assassination. The House Judiciary Committee subpoenaed major tech CEOs over alleged content censorship and scheduled October hearings on platform accountability.
ABC suspends Jimmy Kimmel after Brendan Carr threatens license
ABC and parent company Walt Disney indefinitely suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live after FCC Chair Brendan Carr threatened the network over Kimmel's monologue linking Charlie Kirk's alleged assassin to Trump's MAGA movement. Carr called Kimmel's segment truly sick and warned stations they risked license revocation under FCC public-interest authority. Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group immediately pulled the show from their ABC affiliates, prompting ABC's suspension decision. Senator Ted Cruz likened Carr's warnings to mob boss extortion while late-night hosts led by Stephen Colbert condemned the move, with Colbert calling Trump an autocrat.
Trump sues New York Times for $15 billion over critical coverage
On September 16, 2025, Donald Trump filed a $15 billion defamation lawsuit against The New York Times, four of its reporters, and Penguin Random House in Florida federal court. Trump alleges the outlets knowingly published false statements that damaged his reputation and caused Trump Media stock to drop. First Amendment experts warned the suit weaponizes defamation law to silence journalism. On September 19, 2025, Judge Steven Merryday dismissed the 85-page complaint for failing to meet federal procedural standards—criticizing its excessive length and rhetorical tone—and gave Trump 28 days to file a proper amended complaint.
Fox host blames Kirk killing on unnamed enemies within hours
On Tuesday evening, September 10, 2025, Fox News host Jesse Watters told his 2.1 million viewers that "they are at war with us" just four hours after conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot at Utah Valley University. No suspect had been identified and no federal investigation had begun when Watters made the statement during his prime-time broadcast.
Related Skills
Other skills in Media Literacy that complement this one.
Check If Sources Are Real
Verify whether news sources and websites are trustworthy. Essential for school research and avoiding fake news.
Fact-Check Claims
Use reliable methods to verify if something is true. Protect yourself from misinformation everywhere.
Spot Bias and Manipulation
Recognize when media, ads, or people are trying to influence you unfairly. Stay in control of your own opinions.
Read Charts and Stats
Understand graphs, statistics, and data presentations. Useful for school projects and informed decisions.
Find Original Sources
Track down where information actually comes from. Great research skill for any project.
Evaluate Online Information
Judge whether websites, social media posts, and online claims are reliable. Stay safe and informed online.