Life under Iran’s digital blackout
4/29/202612 min
Federal regulators launched a probe into all Disney-owned TV stations after a late-night comedian made a joke about First Lady Melania Trump, and emerging market stocks have recovered all of their losses from the early stages of the Iran war to hit an all-time high, and the United Arab Emirates is leaving Opec after 60 years. Plus, the FT’s Bita Ghaffari in Tehran details life inside Iran’s blackout that’s been in place since the US and Israel attacked at the end of February.
Mentioned in this podcast:
Trump administration launches Disney probe after Jimmy Kimmel’s Melania joke
Emerging market stocks hit record high as Asian chipmakers surge
UAE to leave Opec in blow to oil cartel
Life inside Iran’s internet blackout
Credit: Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts
Today’s FT News Briefing was hosted and edited by Marc Filippino, and produced by Victoria Craig, Saffeya Ahmed, and Fiona Symon. Our show was mixed by Sam Giovinco. Additional help from Gavin Kallmann. Our executive producer is Topher Forhecz. Cheryl Brumley is the FT’s Global Head of Audio. The show’s theme music is by Metaphor Music.
Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com
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Clips
Transcript preview
First 90 secondsMarc Filippino· Host0:00
[upbeat music] Good morning from the Financial Times. Today is Wednesday, April 29th, and this is your FT news briefing. The Trump administration is going after a late night comedian again, and the United Arab Emirates is handing in its Opec membership card. Plus, there isn't internet in Iran right now, and during wartime, that's especially dangerous.
Bita Ghaffari0:22
There is no emergency alert, no text message telling them to evacuate. So when there is active bombing, families are left hoping that the bombs aren't hitting their neighborhood.
Marc Filippino· Host0:32
I'm Mark Filipino, and here's the news you need to start your day. [upbeat music] US federal regulators have launched a probe into all Disney owned television stations. They're looking for violations of rules, including, quote, "unlawful discrimination." The Federal Communications Commission announced this yesterday, and it's a significant move against a network that's come down on the wrong side of US President Donald Trump. The review comes as a nationwide debate simmers over political violence and freedom of speech, and as the president and his allies call for Jimmy Kimmel to be fired. The late night comedian made this joke on ABC, which is owned by Disney, about First Lady Melania Trump.
Jimmy Kimmel· Soundbite1:17
And of course, our First Lady Melania is here. Look at Mo. So beautiful. Mrs. Trump, you have a glow like an expectant widow.
Marc Filippino· Host1:24
[laughing] Now, this was part of a skit about the White House Correspondents' Dinner,