The entertainment industry, from its inception, has been a place that encourages pushing boundaries and exploring new ideas in storytelling, but what happens when that industry begins to segregate certain schools of thought? Well, that brings us to the current Hollywood climate.
For several years now, Hollywood’s films have begun promoting stories and movies with a more progressive ideology. As that shift has become more apparent, it’s become clear that less conservative voices are being included. The topic has sparked much debate online, and many people feel that, in recent years, movies and shows have focused less on storytelling and more on political pandering.
Acclaimed writer Lionel Chetwynd wrote a letter several years ago outlining his frustrations with the industry, stating that Hollywood openly discriminates against Conservatives. Lionel wrote:
“The vast majority felt quite comfortable endorsing discrimination against those whose political philosophy was not rooted in the reflexive Leftism of Hollywood.”
“Until now, the Hollywood culture kept mean-spirited and odious persecution carefully discussed out-of-earshot of we lepers; now, however, there appears to be no problem in openly admitting to cheap and easy prejudice. Few cancers are more lethal to a civil society than ideological bigotry. And no one can spread disease better than our industry.”
Additionally, in his letter, Lionel discussed comments made by Caucus leader, Vin Di Bona, stating:
“Vin’s contribution, when asked to address this alleged anti-conservative bias, was that it ‘…(is) probably accurate and I’m happy about it, actually. …'”
Some people online have even expressed fears of being fired or ostracized by the entertainment industry if they are revealed to have conservative beliefs. Of course, blacklisting writers or performers is nothing new to Hollywood. The industry has been removing people as far back as the mid-20th century, during the Cold War, when Hollywood suspected Communists were working in the United States to promote their ideology through entertainment and media. Therefore, many conservatives have chosen to hide their opinions over the years, with some believing that left-leaning workers are allowed to express their views openly, while right-leaning people are punished.
For instance, a column in The Pueblo Chieftain reported that the long-running star of “General Hospital,” Antonio Sabato Jr., said he was blacklisted for openly supporting President Donald Trump in 2016.
“Spoiled left wing elitists in Hollywood ruined that ideal for me by using the podium at the Oscars and Emmys as “bully pulpits” to preach to their captive audiences about their views of our president and the party of my choice, Republican. They refuse to understand that those of us who live in ‘flyover’ country don’t give a damn about their political opinions and most in Hollywood don’t care, either.”
“Many of my celebrity friends are Republicans or independents who strongly support Donald Trump–they keep quiet ― very quiet ― about their conservative leanings.”
Antonio even stated that he had to sell everything to pay off his debts after all his representatives and agents left him. Eventually, he was forced to move and find a new job to sustain his family.
However, things appear to be shifting the other way after the past few years. After President Trump was re-elected, conservative donors have increased funding for Great American Media, a company focused on producing family-friendly, faith-based content. Led by Bill Abbott, the former CEO of the parent company of the Hallmark Channel, who parted ways after severe political disagreements during President Trump’s first administration. Great American Media does not take on any political labels itself; however, a great deal of its funding comes from sources that also fund politically conservative organizations. Between the fourth quarters of 2023 and 2024, Great American Media grew its viewership by 20 percent, making it one of the few networks to gain such rapid growth, according to GAM, Politico, Fox News, and Newsmax.
There has also been a rise in conservative entertainment, such as Angel Studios’ 2023 thriller “Sound of Freedom,” which grossed over $184 million in North America. Making the film one of the most successful independent movies ever.”
Hollywood has been a long-standing promoter of liberalism. But in today’s political and cultural climate, more and more people are breaking away from Hollywood’s old tricks and looking elsewhere. If Hollywood wants to thrive as it did in its golden age, it needs to open itself to a broader array of perspectives and outlooks rather than closing itself off into a single collective bubble. Otherwise, the public will get tired of them, and the entertainment industry’s decline will only get worse.