Democrats’ midterm victories are expected to affect issues important to Hollywood and the media industry, beyond the election’s central debates over President Trump, prices and the War in Iran. As Washington adjusts to the new balance of power for the final two years of Trump’s term, several policy questions remain open.
A federal tax incentive for Hollywood productions remains the industry’s leading legislative priority, with supporters hoping to pass a bill by year’s end. The proposal has bipartisan backing, including support from Trump and Senator Adam Schiff, but the election’s disruption may make it harder to maintain momentum. Trump has voiced uncertainty about the credits, while congressional Republicans are dealing with the election results and a leadership contest. House Democrats, meanwhile, could choose to wait for the next Congress, when they will have greater leverage.
Democrats are generally more supportive of Hollywood than Republicans, which could improve the proposal’s prospects in the 120th Congress. But a new effort would have to start over, and 10 of the bill’s 31 Republican cosponsors are not expected to return. Supporters have also argued that the industry’s current difficulties make swift action important.
Democratic control of Congress will not change the Federal Communications Commission’s leadership, but it could bring closer scrutiny of chairman Brendan Carr. Democrats have criticized his pressure on broadcasters over Jimmy Kimmel’s jokes and investigations into political commentary on “The View.” They may use congressional subpoena powers to examine those and other controversies.
Public media funding could also return to the agenda. Congress eliminated $1.1 billion in funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting last year, putting pressure on hundreds of local stations and removing a major source of support for PBS and NPR. A Democratic-led Congress could consider restoring federal investment, though the issue is likely to face opposition from conservatives who accuse the public broadcasters of liberal bias.
Some advocates want any renewed support to extend beyond the CPB’s traditional broadcasting model. Rima Dael, CEO of the National Federation of Community Broadcasters, called for investment in public and community media that meets current needs, including access to reliable local news and cultural programming both online and on air.
The House Oversight Committee may also consider investigations related to media companies’ dealings with Trump. Potential subjects include the “Melania” documentary agreement, payments connected to Trump’s lawsuits against “60 Minutes” and George Stephanopoulos, and his cases against Twitter, YouTube and Meta. Lawmakers could also examine the Ellison family’s efforts to secure Trump’s support for the Paramount-Skydance and Paramount-Warner Bros. mergers. Such inquiries could lead to disputes over executive privilege; if successful, they might reveal internal communications about how major media companies dealt with the president.
Sources: Variety.