Following threats from the FCC, ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night talk show, representing a significant attack on free speech. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr demanded Kimmel’s removal due to a joke, backed by threats to ABC’s broadcast licenses. This action aligns with Trump’s authoritarian efforts to control the media and stifle criticism, as seen in the past with other world leaders. The administration’s actions, paired with media capitulation, are designed to instill fear, especially considering the concentration of power within media conglomerates, allowing for greater leverage and control. The incident serves as a concerning warning of Trump’s intentions in the US.
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The Emmy acceptance speech by Daniel O’Brien of “Last Week Tonight” alluded to the potential threat against political comedy, specifically mentioning the cancellation of Stephen Colbert’s show around the time Paramount sought FCC approval for a merger. O’Brien’s remark, which expressed gratitude to all writers of late-night political comedy, subtly questioned the future existence of such shows. The comment highlighted the delicate environment in which political satire is created.
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Speaking aboard Air Force One, President Trump suggested revoking the licenses of broadcast television networks critical of him. This followed ABC’s suspension of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” due to the host’s comments. Trump referenced negative media coverage, particularly from Kimmel and Stephen Colbert, asserting these networks are biased. He deferred to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, emphasizing his patriotism and hinting at potential action regarding network licenses.
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Jimmy Kimmel Has Supreme Court Precedent on His Side, or at Least, He Did
Jimmy Kimmel has Supreme Court precedent on his side, specifically referencing the 1963 case *Bantam Books v. Sullivan*. This pivotal ruling established a clear boundary: governmental entities cannot employ indirect methods to suppress constitutionally protected speech. The core of this precedent rests on the idea that the government cannot coerce or intimidate private parties into censoring others. The key question is whether the government official’s actions could reasonably be understood as a threat of adverse consequences aimed at coercing a private party to punish or suppress someone else’s speech on the government’s behalf.… Continue reading
Initially, senior ABC executives expressed support for Jimmy Kimmel, but this stance shifted dramatically leading to the show’s removal. Reports indicate that intense meetings occurred, with executives reportedly concerned about potential backlash from former President Donald Trump following Kimmel’s comments. The FCC Chairman’s warning about withdrawing ABC’s broadcasting license, due to Kimmel’s remarks on a right-wing activist, prompted Nexstar, which owns several ABC affiliates, to pull the show. This decision was celebrated by Trump, who has previously been at odds with Kimmel.
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Following controversial comments made by Jimmy Kimmel about conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination, ABC indefinitely suspended “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” triggering widespread backlash. Critics, including free speech advocates, condemned the move, citing it as a violation of free speech and a dangerous precedent for censoring commentary. The suspension prompted calls for boycotts of Disney and ABC on social media platforms, fueled by concerns of government censorship. The decision also came after FCC pressure and followed similar actions by ABC affiliate owners, including Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcasting.
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Democratic lawmakers are demanding FCC Chair Brendan Carr’s resignation, accusing him of abusing his power by pressuring ABC network regarding Jimmy Kimmel’s show. This pressure allegedly preceded the show’s indefinite hiatus. Adding to the controversy, former President Barack Obama voiced his disapproval through a social media statement, further amplifying the criticism.
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In Charlie Kirk’s Name: Trump Officials Signal Move to Limit Free Speech
It’s truly mind-boggling, isn’t it? This whole situation, the talk about limiting free speech in the name of someone like Charlie Kirk, it’s just… ironic doesn’t even begin to cover it. It’s a stark reminder, a chilling echo of historical patterns, as we’ve seen before with groups that started as fringe elements, seizing on societal anxieties and promising simple solutions. It’s a dangerous game, playing on fears and frustrations to consolidate power. And frankly, it’s all a bit insane.
The parallels, the opportunistic seizing of a tragedy for political gain – it’s all too familiar.… Continue reading
Following the assassination of Charlie Kirk, Tucker Carlson expressed concern that the Trump administration would use the event to implement “hate speech” laws, potentially infringing upon the First Amendment. Carlson, a former Fox News host, specifically criticized Attorney General Pam Bondi’s comments, which suggested the Justice Department would target individuals using hate speech. In addition, several members of Trump’s administration have pledged action against those who appear to celebrate or mock Kirk’s death, leading to backlash, including the indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show.
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Following Jimmy Kimmel’s comments regarding Charlie Kirk’s death, ABC announced the indefinite suspension of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” prompting outrage from politicians, media figures, and free speech organizations. These figures expressed concerns over censorship and the silencing of critics of Donald Trump, with some calling the move a coordinated and dangerous attack on free speech. Donald Trump and his allies, however, celebrated the decision, with some figures seemingly encouraging the cancellation of other late-night shows. Free speech advocacy groups and other commentators view the suspension as a result of pressure from government actors.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood