Trump rails against Kimmel's return and makes threat against ABC

Media Industry Landscape - Two major TV station owners, Nextstar and Sinclair, control approximately 70 ABC affiliates in the US [1] - Sinclair is considering merger options, while Nextstar aims to finalize a $6.2 billion merger with Tegna [2] Political Interference & Free Speech - President Trump criticized Kimmel's return and implied ABC show cancellation, later denied by ABC [2][6] - President Trump suggested Kimmel is an arm of the DNC, implying illegal campaign contribution [3] - The industry views President Trump's actions as a potential threat to free speech and an attempt to use governmental power against media perceived as foes [11][12] Historical Context & Presidential Reactions - Late-night comedians have historically targeted presidents, but Trump's reaction is perceived as unusually sensitive [8][9] - Past presidents like George W Bush, Bill Clinton, and Ronald Reagan faced ridicule without attempting to suppress it [15][16] - George W Bush reacted with amusement to parodies, contrasting with President Trump's approach [17]