In a rare show of political agreement, Senators Bernie Sanders and Ted Cruz have both criticized the FCC’s Chair Brendan Carr for allegedly pressuring ABC to suspend Jimmy Kimmel following comments made about the suspected assassin of Charlie Kirk. Sanders stated the government cannot force anyone off the air due to disagreements, with Cruz likening Carr’s actions to a mafia boss. The senators’ statements came amid broader concerns about First Amendment rights, with others suggesting the Trump administration is using its position to silence opposing views. This situation resulted in the introduction of the FREE SPEECH Act.
Read More
Senator Rand Paul criticized Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr’s remarks threatening action against ABC after Jimmy Kimmel’s comments. Paul asserted that Carr’s involvement was inappropriate, emphasizing that while individuals have a right to free speech, employers also have the right to make employment decisions based on an employee’s statements. Paul also stated that the government should not be involved in such matters and called for politics to be removed from the judicial system. Paul further commented on Trump’s social media posts, arguing that “lawfare in all forms is bad,” although he acknowledged that both parties have used politically motivated prosecutions in the past.
Read More
Senator Ted Cruz criticized FCC Chairman Brendan Carr for comments regarding Jimmy Kimmel’s remarks, likening them to threats against ABC’s broadcasting licenses. Cruz, despite disliking Kimmel’s comments, expressed concern that such actions set a dangerous precedent for government censorship, potentially targeting conservatives in the future. He stated that allowing the government to police speech would inevitably lead to the suppression of opposing viewpoints. The situation has also garnered responses from other politicians, including criticism from Democrats and defenses from Republicans, with varying perspectives on the issue of free speech and the FCC’s role.
Read More
Disney is facing boycott calls after suspending Jimmy Kimmel, allegedly due to pressure from the Trump-appointed FCC chairman. Progressive groups like Indivisible are urging subscribers to cancel Disney services and contact the company to express disapproval. They are also lobbying for a congressional investigation into the FCC chairman’s actions, while some members of congress are attempting to force him to testify. Furthermore, former Disney CEO Michael Eisner has criticized the company’s decision, viewing it as a result of intimidation and self-interest.
Read More
Former Disney CEO Michael Eisner has publicly criticized the company’s decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel’s show on ABC, owned by Disney. Eisner, who served as CEO from 1984 to 2005, expressed his disapproval of the indefinite suspension, linking it to the FCC Chairman’s threats against ABC. The decision followed Kimmel’s comments about the Charlie Kirk assassination, which sparked controversy. Eisner’s remarks and those of other prominent figures, including celebrities and former late-night hosts, come in the wake of FCC threats and raise concerns about free speech and corporate interests within the media landscape.
Read More
President Donald Trump has asserted that television networks airing critical commentary of him should have their licenses revoked, suggesting the FCC should take action. These remarks were made on Air Force One, amid the cancellation of Jimmy Kimmel Live! following comments the host made about a conservative influencer’s murder. The comments have sparked concerns about freedom of speech and the press, with critics, including former President Obama and legal scholars, condemning the threats. White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson has defended the president’s position, while various figures have called for FCC Chair Brendan Carr’s resignation, and Kimmel is yet to comment publicly.
Read More
Ted Cruz: MAGA “will regret” what it did to Jimmy Kimmel
Ted Cruz, in an unexpected twist, seems to be aligning himself with a viewpoint that many people, myself included, find themselves surprisingly agreeing with: that the actions taken against Jimmy Kimmel by some within the MAGA movement were a step too far. This is not a straightforward endorsement of Kimmel, nor is it an abandonment of Cruz’s core political affiliations. Instead, it’s a recognition of a dangerous precedent. It’s a statement that resonates with the fundamental principles of free speech and the potential for a backlash when those principles are violated.… Continue reading
Senator Ted Cruz criticized FCC chair Brendan Carr for his remarks regarding Jimmy Kimmel’s comments on Charlie Kirk, comparing Carr’s warning to ABC to a mafia threat. Although Cruz disagreed with Kimmel’s statements, he condemned the government’s potential censorship of speech, warning it sets a dangerous precedent. The senator expressed concern that such actions could be used against conservatives by future Democratic administrations. This followed Kimmel’s show being taken off the air, causing growing discomfort among Republicans, with some voices across the political spectrum raising First Amendment concerns.
Read More
Senator Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming stated that the First Amendment may no longer be the “ultimate right” in America, sparking debate over free speech. These comments followed the indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show after controversial remarks concerning Charlie Kirk and his subsequent murder. This situation has ignited a broader national conversation, particularly regarding the line between free speech and hate speech, and the role of the government in regulating media. While opinions vary widely, from support for Kimmel’s suspension to concerns over censorship, the FCC Chairman has hinted at further actions, indicating the debate is far from settled.
Read More
Trump’s war against late-night talk shows is escalating, with ABC pulling Jimmy Kimmel’s show off the air indefinitely following Kimmel’s criticism of right-wing reactions to an assassination. The decision, influenced by threats from the Federal Communications Commission chairman, Brendan Carr, and potential regulatory repercussions, highlights corporate cowardice. This event is a part of a broader attack on free speech and the fear of financial harm stemming from Trump’s potential retaliation. The author posits that this repression extends beyond late-night shows and calls for opposition to defend free speech.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood
Trump Outraged by Late Night Show Mockery, Calls for Censorship
President Donald Trump has asserted that television networks airing critical commentary of him should have their licenses revoked, suggesting the FCC should take action. These remarks were made on Air Force One, amid the cancellation of Jimmy Kimmel Live! following comments the host made about a conservative influencer’s murder. The comments have sparked concerns about freedom of speech and the press, with critics, including former President Obama and legal scholars, condemning the threats. White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson has defended the president’s position, while various figures have called for FCC Chair Brendan Carr’s resignation, and Kimmel is yet to comment publicly.
Read More