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 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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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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Nexstar and Sinclair, two major TV station owners, pulled Jimmy Kimmel’s show due to his jokes about the killing of a police officer, citing “insensitive” comments. Both companies have significant business pending before the Trump administration and are seeking mergers that would expand their reach. Media analysts suggest these decisions were made to curry favor with the administration, especially given the timing and the need for regulatory approvals. This, according to Stelter, is an obvious conclusion considering the circumstances.
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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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Following controversial comments made by Jimmy Kimmel regarding Charlie Kirk, ABC has indefinitely suspended *Jimmy Kimmel Live!*. Former President Donald Trump celebrated the suspension, taking to Truth Social to express his approval and criticize Kimmel’s talent and ratings. The Federal Communications Commission chair, Brendan Carr, condemned Kimmel’s remarks, suggesting they violated the public interest obligations of broadcasters and hinting at potential regulatory action against ABC affiliates. Nexstar, which owns numerous ABC affiliates, was the first to preempt the series, followed by the network’s official indefinite suspension announcement.
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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