By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show by ABC has ignited calls for a boycott against Disney and other media conglomerates. These boycott efforts were spurred by complaints from FCC chair Brendan Carr regarding Kimmel’s monologue, and followed similar objections from Nexstar Media and Sinclair. Public figures and groups like the Working Families Party and 50501 are urging action, highlighting concerns about censorship and the potential impact on freedom of speech. Calls for a boycott are spreading through various social media platforms with some users claiming Disney is concerned about financial repercussions.
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Calls grow to boycott ABC owner Disney over Jimmy Kimmel suspension
It seems a wave of discontent has crashed over Disney, the owner of ABC, with the central issue being the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel. The online sentiment is overwhelmingly critical, and it’s crystal clear people are voting with their wallets. The common thread? Canceling subscriptions, postponing vacations, and vowing to cease supporting anything Disney-related.
The driving force behind this boycott appears to be a strong disagreement with Disney’s actions. The specific reasons for this discontent remain ambiguous. However, based on the comments, this is likely not just about Kimmel himself, but is about something that impacts freedom of speech, and standing up against something people believe is “wrong.” There’s a feeling that Disney has caved in to pressure and acted in a way that many find unacceptable.
The impact could be significant, and people are hoping to hit Disney where it hurts most: the bottom line. Disney’s revenue streams are vast. From entertainment and experiences to subscription fees, affiliate fees, and advertising, there are several areas where a collective boycott could inflict pain. The focus isn’t just on canceling Disney+, though that seems to be the most immediate action. Cutting off ESPN, ditching Disney vacations, and boycotting any new Disney content are all being suggested as ways to amplify the message.
The call to action is very direct: cancel your Disney subscriptions, and be vocal about why. The advice to use the “other” option when canceling and explicitly state the reason for the cancellation is frequently given. The message is clear: make your displeasure known. It’s about making sure Disney understands the reason behind the loss of revenue. This is also being extended to encompass other related avenues, such as not supporting companies that advertise on certain networks, like Nexstar and Sinclair, which are said to be driving this action.
There is a focus on taking more direct action than just cancellation. People are being encouraged to “buy stamps” and “send letters,” to formally express the reasoning behind the decision to not support Disney any longer. There’s a feeling that this level of commitment could lead to real change. If enough people follow suit, the financial impact could be considerable.
Many feel this could be a tipping point. If Disney is dependent on specific advertisers, losing one big one may lead to the others following suit. It’s all about the snowball effect, aiming to create a domino effect where advertisers re-evaluate their association with Disney. The ultimate aim is to convince Disney to change its policies and actions.
It’s not just about canceling subscriptions; it’s also about the big-picture. Disney’s perceived stances on various social or political issues, are being called into question. This all reinforces the call to action; Disney’s actions and the actions of its subsidiaries are being actively resisted. The sentiment is, if Disney does not adhere to the beliefs of the consumers, they will not be supporting them any longer.
The conversation is branching out, too. There are discussions about breaking up media conglomerates, as some believe that a few large corporations have too much power. There’s also discussion around what the future looks like, whether there is a return to content creators people enjoy on the horizon. Many are waiting to see if Kimmel gets reinstated.
The boycott isn’t just limited to individuals. People are urging each other to contact their representatives and advocate for policies that protect their rights. There’s a sense of urgency, a feeling that this is a crucial moment to make a stand. Some are even suggesting donating the money saved from canceled subscriptions to organizations dedicated to causes the boycotters believe in.
There’s also a recognition of how Disney has become a central hub of consumerism. Canceling can feel like a “drop in the bucket,” but that bucket is filling fast. The momentum seems to be growing. Many people are canceling their Disney+ subscriptions, even after being devoted fans. Others are even making the switch to “a pirate’s life” as a way of showing their solidarity.
Even those who previously saw Disney as a source of comfort and entertainment are now choosing to make the financial hit, due to the issue. The concern is that Disney is catering to the interests of a smaller, more exclusive group. It’s about questioning Disney’s decision-making and perceived moral failings. The call for others to boycott ESPN too.
There’s a strong current of dissatisfaction with Disney’s actions and a desire for accountability. The focus is on taking a stand for what people believe in. It’s a wake-up call for a massive entertainment company, with the message being sent loud and clear: Consumers have a voice, and they’re prepared to use it.