Tucker Carlson, Parler, and the Importance of Free Speech

On April 24, 2023, Fox News issued a statement that they had “agreed to part ways” with Tucker Carlson. The announcement came as a surprise to many, as Carlson was one of the network's most prominent and influential figures. "Tucker Carlson Tonight" was one of the network's most popular and influential shows, airing in prime time at 8:00 PM ET. The show debuted on November 14, 2016, and quickly became known for its combative style, direct questioning, and focus on conservative viewpoints. Despite consistently ranking as one of the top-rated cable news programs and attracting millions of viewers each night, Fox News did not provide specific reasons for Carlson’s departure, leading to widespread speculation about the factors behind the decision.

Afterward, Tucker Carlson himself made several public statements about the situation, though he did not provide specific details. In a video posted on Twitter (now X) shortly after, Carlson references broader issues with the media and the suppression of free speech. He suggested that mainstream media was stifling important debates and discussions, and he expressed optimism about the potential for alternative platforms to foster genuine discourse. Carlson also expressed a sense of freedom after leaving Fox News, implying that he was no longer constrained by the network's editorial guidelines or corporate pressures. Overall, Carlson's statements reflected his belief that his departure was part of a larger narrative about media control and the increasing importance of free speech in public discourse. Present day, we see his departure has allowed him the opportunity to pursue new ventures that align more closely with his vision for unfiltered, uncensored, and independent media.

As a platform dedicated to free speech, it should be no surprise that we at Parler—who have also made a come-back—have welcomed Tucker Carlson’s return to the public eye with his own network, programs, and live tour. It is a significant symbol for free speech for several reasons:

Platform Independence

By creating the Tucker Carlson Network, the Tucker Podcast, the Tucker Carlson Show, and more, Carlson is moving away from traditional media outlets that often have editorial guidelines or pressures from advertisers, owners, or regulatory bodies. This shift allows him greater control over his content and the ability to express his views without external constraints. This autonomy is a crucial exercise of free speech and shows content creators can directly reach their audiences without filtering or censorship from corporate or governmental entities.

Diversification of Media

Carlson's move contributes to the diversification of media platforms, as well, providing an alternative to mainstream news outlets. In a media landscape often criticized for homogeneity, his venture can be seen as offering different perspectives, which is vital for a healthy democracy. When diverse viewpoints are accessible, it strengthens public discourse and ensures that no single narrative dominates.

Challenging Media Censorship

Supporters of Carlson argue that his return to media and ownership of his formats challenges what they perceive as media censorship or bias in traditional outlets. By establishing his own platform, he is resisting efforts to silence or marginalize certain political or social perspectives. This is important for free speech as it underscores the right to dissent and the need for spaces where controversial or unpopular opinions can be aired.

Parler: Your Platform for Free Speech

As a platform that has also been under attack for supporting free speech and even shut down at one point for trying to uphold it, Parler has returned stronger than ever and steadfastly remains positioned as a platform for free speech for several key reasons:

Minimal Content Moderation

From our inception, Parler has been a platform of minimal content moderation, allowing users to express themselves without fear of being censored or deplatformed. Unlike mainstream social media platforms like X and Facebook, which have more extensive policies against misinformation, hate speech, and other forms of harmful content, Parler takes a hands-off approach, only removing content that is illegal or violates specific community standards.

Response to Perceived Bias

Parler was created in response to concerns of people that major social media platforms were biased against their viewpoints. Many users feel that their voices are being unfairly silenced or marginalized on platforms like X and Facebook due to these companies' moderation policies. Parler offers an alternative space where users can freely share their opinions without facing what they see as ideological discrimination.

Focus on User Control

Parler emphasizes user control over content, allowing individuals to curate their own experience on the platform. Users can choose who to follow, what content to engage with, and which types of speech to ignore. This model is intended to empower users to filter their own content rather than relying on a platform to do it.

Commitment to First Amendment Values

Parler explicitly aligns itself with First Amendment principles, promoting the right to free speech as protected under the U.S. Constitution. While the First Amendment applies to government censorship and not private companies, Parler has adopted these values as a core part of our brand for those who value broad freedoms of expression. These factors combine to make Parler a go-to platform for those who feel that their right to free speech has been curtailed on more mainstream social media sites. Parler is also set to launch several other apps that the social media community needs to express creativity and come together without censorship.

The Tucker Carlson Live Tour

Public Engagement

Throughout September 2024, Tucker Carlson is embarking on his first ever live tour from coast to coast throughout the United States. At Parler, we actively support the live tour aspect of Carlson's return as it emphasizes and will provide direct engagement with the public. Live events allow for unfiltered, real-time interaction with audiences, fostering a more dynamic and immediate exchange of ideas. We view each event as an authentic exercise of free speech, where Tucker, his special guests, and the audience can engage in dialogue without the mediation of broadcast networks.

Cultural Impact

Carlson's influence in the media and political landscape has already had a cultural impact. His ability to shape public opinion and influence political discourse makes his re-emergence a notable event in the context of free speech. It raises questions about who controls the narrative in society and how different voices are amplified or suppressed.

Parler Perks Ticket Contest

Parler actively supports free speech and tours like Tucker’s and will be having a contest where Parler users can win free tickets to the live tour and be a part of the cultural impact and engagement this public discourse provides. For more details about the Parler Perks Tucker Carlson Live Tour Ticket Contest, click here.

Parler team members will be present at several of the tour events throughout the country and hope to see you there!

Exercising Free Speech

Overall, Tucker Carlson's return and the return of Parler represent a broader discussion on the balance between free speech, media control, and the role of alternative platforms in modern public discourse.

To learn more about all the ways Tucker Carlson is bringing his style of media to the masses, visit his website. If you have not yet created and use a Parler account, we encourage you to sign up today and let your voice be heard!