HoloNet

"It's all being transmitted across the HoloNet too--citizens all over the galaxy get to enjoy this moment."

―An Imperial officer comments on the Imperial Unity Day Parade on Bar'leth^[1]

The HoloNet, also spelled Holonet, was a large communications system used by the citizens of the Galactic Republic and its successor state, the Galactic Empire. The HoloNet News was broadcast on the HoloNet during the reign of both governments. Following the Battle of Endor, the New Republic, the successor government created by the Rebel Alliance, took control of HoloNet and began easing the Imperial restrictions and censorship.

HoloNet programming could be watched via a holocaster. The Holonet could also be used to look up information. C-3PO connected to the Holonet to learn that the moon Kef Bir used to be entirely underwater and recent information on how terrible the Battle of Endor was.^[2]

History

The High Republic Era

"And don't believe everything you watch in the holos."

―Axel Greylark, subject of gossip^[3]

During the High Republic Era, the Galactic Society of Creature Enthusiasts, an organization dedicated to studying the myriad of new species in the galaxy, produced a variety of educational programming on the HoloNet as well as maintaining a monthly newsletter.^[4] The Holos from Mollo segment was released over the HoloNet by Co-Supreme Chancellor Orlen Mollo as he traveled the galaxy. The son of fellow Supreme Chancellor Kyong Greylark, Axel Greylark, was a subject of gossip across the Holonet.^[3] The Mother of the Path of the Open Hand proclaimed to her followers that they could not trust the HoloNet, alleging that the media was under the control of the Jedi Order, whom the Path believed were damaging the Force itself.^[5]

The Clone Wars

"The HoloNet is nothing but propaganda for politicians. It's not exactly known for its accuracy."
"I don't know. 'Hero with no fear.' I thought I looked pretty dashing there"
"Anakin…"
"I'm serious. You know, if we're going to be on the 'Net together, you might want to cut that hair."

―Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker^[6]

During the Clone Wars, the Galactic Republic used HoloNet to broadcast news and information to the general public.^[7] However, it possessed a clear bias that hurt trust in the organization. It saw use as a way to spread propaganda, such as broadcasting edited footage of the mission to Cato Neimoidia. It was in that broadcast the HoloNet dubbed Jedi General Anakin Skywalker the "Hero With No Fear."^[6] The Confederacy of Independent Systems hacked into the HoloNet to spread Shadowfeed holofeeds.^[8] While serving as Count Dooku's Sith apprentice, the Jedi Master Quinlan Vos earned the nickname "Admiral Enigma" on the Republic's HoloNet.^[9]

Age of the Empire

"There's only so much HoloNet I can take."

―Garazeb Orrelios^[10]

During the Empire's reign, the Galactic Empire used the HoloNet to broadcast both news and Imperial propaganda.^[11] In 14 BBY, after the frequent attacks by a rebel cell led by former Imperial Berch Teller on shipments headed for the Death Star's construction site, the newly promoted Grand Moff Wilhuff Tarkin restricted use of the HoloNet to the Empire only. This decision, together with other plans enacted by the governor, was speculated by some to mean that an Imperial takeover of the Outer Rim was imminent.^[8]

Several Imperial worlds such as Gorse had local editions of Imperial HoloNet channels such as Imperial HoloNews. The HoloNet was also a source of conspiracy theories for individuals such as Skelly. The rebel sympathizer Hetto also maintained contact with rebel operatives such as Hera Syndulla using the HoloNet.^[12] Imperial newscasters such as Alton Kastle on the planet Lothal used HoloNet News to distort facts and events in the Empire's favor.^[13]

By late 5 BBY, Imperial law decreed that the Imperial HoloNet broadcast should be played in public establishments such as Old Jho's Pit Stop all the time.^[14] Rebel operatives such as Gall Trayvis circumvented this ruling by hijacking Imperial transmissions with pro-rebel propaganda. Later, Travyis was exposed as an Imperial agent.^[15]

In 4 BBY, a frequent stream of negative Imperial propaganda on HoloNet led the Spectres rebel cell on Lothal to hijack the Imperial Communications Center at Jalath. Despite the capture of one of their members, Kanan Jarrus, his Jedi apprentice Ezra Bridger managed to give a pro-rebel broadcast before the tower was destroyed by Grand Moff Tarkin.^[11] Following the death of Maketh Tua, Imperial HoloNews claimed that the Spectres had assassinated the Imperial minister.^[16]

New Republic

Following the Battle of Endor, the New Republic, the successor government to the Rebel Alliance, abolished the Imperial restrictions and censorship on HoloNet. They also encouraged the creation of several HoloNet channels including the Queen of the Core Network to win over the galactic public.^[17] By 5 ABY, the New Republic had assumed control of HoloNet. The Liberation Day attacks were broadcast live on the HoloNet, demoralizing the general public and dissuading several worlds from joining the New Republic.^[18] In 9 ABY,^[19] the sporting competition Hunters of the Outer Rim^[20] held on the planet Vespaara^[21] was broadcasted through the HoloNet.^[20] During the First Order-Resistance War,^[22] the Society's monthly newsletter was close to 5,000 issues.^[4]