Free-Speech Advocates are Concerned as Elon Musk Hires NBCU Ad Exec as the new Twitter CEO

Linda Yaccarino, the head of ad sales at NBCUniversal is set to join Twitter as the new CEO in roughly six weeks. Elon Musk declared the name of the new Twitter CEO in a tweet on Friday. Linda has talked greatly about the need for limiting free speech on Twitter. Free speech advocates voice their concerns regarding Musk’s decision.

On Thursday, May 11, Elon Musk tweeted that he’s hired a person to take over the role of CEO of Twitter from him. He is going to transition into the roles of CTO and Executive chair. On the following day, he declared that Linda Yaccarino, currently the ad sales head at NBCU is going to be the new Twitter CEO. 

Interestingly, in December, Musk had posted a poll on Twitter asking whether he should step down as the CEO of this social media giant. 17.5 million people voted and 57.5% people voted in favor of Musk stepping down. Musk promised that he’d in fact step down and focus on the technical aspect of Twitter. Looks like the billionaire has stuck to his words. After Linda Yaccarino joins, Musk will be the CTO and executive chair, overseeing product, software, and sysops.

Chris Elston who runs Billboardchris.com and goes by Billboard Chris on Twitter, commented citing an interview between Yaccarino and Musk where the former clearly said she was in favor of limiting the reach of tweets that might be deemed hateful. 

He went on to say, “She represents advertisers, and her natural inclination is to limit speech, and pander to those who push woke ideology on the world. You will have to watch her like a hawk.”

While Yaccarina is going to bring ad revenue, a front where Twitter has been struggling since Musk’s acquisition of the company, Chris says, “she’s a long-term mistake”

A number of people expressed their disappointment in the hire. They are expecting a push of woke ideology in Yaccarina’s tenure as Twitter head. While all agree that her experience in advertisement will help Twitter navigate the current doldrums it is in.

Elon Musk has assured his followers that he’s made a well-thought out decision and while Yaccarina will be in charge of business operations, he’ll ensure that Twitter does not move from its advocacy of free speech. “I hear your concerns, but don’t judge too early. I am adamant about defending free speech, even if it means losing money.” Musk tweeted on Saturday.