Our top story this morning is uh the latest major shakeup in late night television with Disneyowned ABC announcing it is pulling Jimmy Kimmel off the air. Would love to get your thoughts on that, Jason. Jimmy's a close friend, has been for a very long time.He and Molly um uh are are two of my favorite people. So, my heart breaks for them. They they put in a lot of good hard work on that show as do all the people that work on it.So, uh that's really really unfortunate uh to say the least. Um, it's a little t ...

Freedom of Speech & Censorship - The industry acknowledges the complexity of balancing freedom of speech with the potential for harmful or "despicable" statements [1][2] - Concerns arise regarding media companies potentially suppressing dialogue in response to controversial statements, raising First Amendment questions [2] - The industry observes a growing trend towards censorship, potentially exploiting tragedies to silence political opponents [3] - The industry expresses concern about potential political repression against those who oppose certain political figures [4] Jimmy Kimmel Controversy & Disney's Response - The industry generally views Jimmy Kimmel's comments as inappropriate and "terrible" [1][5] - Disney's decision to remove Kimmel's show is acknowledged as their prerogative [1] - Some believe Kimmel's removal was due to him being an "unfunny activist" and audience fatigue with political activism in late-night television [6] Potential Consequences & Political Climate - The industry anticipates a "dizzying campaign of political repression" [4] - The situation is described as a "red alert moment" for the country, urging individuals to stand up for what is right [4] - The industry notes that the FCC is entitled to offer their opinion on the matter [5]

Group 1 - David Letterman criticized ABC's suspension of Jimmy Kimmel's show as "ridiculous," arguing that it reflects fear and appeasement towards an authoritarian administration [2][4] - ABC, a subsidiary of Disney, suspended "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" indefinitely after Kimmel's comments linking a conservative activist's alleged killer to the MAGA movement [2][3] - Letterman compared ABC's actions to CBS's decision to cancel "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert," suggesting a pattern of media manipulation influenced by political pressures [3][4] Group 2 - Letterman expressed disappointment over the cancellation of Colbert's show, stating it was a move to avoid troubling Donald Trump, which he deemed manipulative [4] - Following the suspension, Letterman communicated with Kimmel, who is reportedly recovering well [5] - Trump publicly praised ABC for suspending Kimmel, claiming it demonstrated courage and criticized Kimmel's talent and ratings [5]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the phenomenon of "cancel culture" and regulatory abuse, highlighting how these issues are being utilized by the right against the left [1] Group 1 - The right is employing tactics similar to cancel culture, which traditionally has been associated with the left, to exert influence and control [1] - Regulatory measures are being manipulated to target and undermine left-leaning organizations and individuals [1] - The article suggests that this shift in tactics represents a significant change in the political landscape, where both sides are now engaging in similar behaviors [1]

Anyone anyone with the profound privilege of sitting in a chair like this one felt something shift over the last 16 hours. Because this afternoon it is abundantly clear to everyone, not just people who sit in chairs like this one, but every single American that the First Amendment in the hands of this current administration isn't what it used to be. It does not protect an individual's right to speak freely.That right endowed by the founders, enshrined in the constitution, fought for, bled for over the cours ...

Sep 18, 2025 5:22 PM Eastern Daylight Time Parents Whose Children Watch Disney Videos on YouTube Have Opportunity to Join The Walt Disney Company Child Privacy Investigation with the Schall Law Firm Share LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Schall Law Firm, a national shareholder rights litigation firm, announces that it is investigating claims on behalf of parents of children who watched Disney videos on YouTube. The Walt Disney Company ("Disney†or "the Company†) (NYSE: DIS) allegedly violated COPPA ("Chil ...

Welcome to Meet the Press Now. I'm Kristen Welker in Washington where the White House is cracking down on what it deems the radical left and moving to retaliate against some of its most outspoken critics in the wake of the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk. The White House has publicly called for consequences and firings of anyone whose comments are seen as endorsing Kirk's death. And administration officials are cheering the indefinite suspension of ABC's Jimmy Kimmel in the wake of comments the late ni ...

FCC Pressure and Media Capitulation - The FCC, under Brendan Carr, is perceived to be exerting pressure on Disney/ABC, potentially influencing content decisions [1][3] - NextStar's merger transaction is a key factor, as they may not want to jeopardize the deal by opposing the FCC [1] - The White House's stance on the issue is unclear, with potential contradictions in Brendan Carr's statements regarding political satire [2][3][4] - A $6 billion deal between NextStar and Tegna is awaiting FCC approval, mirroring a past situation where CBS settled with President Trump for over $16 million before a merger approval [7][8] Free Speech and Legal Considerations - The silencing of Jimmy Kimmel was done by his employer, not the FCC directly, making it an extra-legal issue focused on pressure [1] - Anna Gomez of the FCC stated it is not the FCC's job to judge what is and is not funny, or to determine content [1] - Legal action by Jimmy Kimmel against ABC would depend on his contract terms, specifically termination clauses [1] Media Business Vulnerability - Traditional television media is vulnerable due to declining viewership and advertising revenue [13][16] - News organizations that are part of larger conglomerates may be more susceptible to pressure due to their smaller contribution to the overall balance sheet [15][16] - The media industry is facing a "carrots and sticks" strategy from the White House, leveraging government power to influence media organizations [17] Ownership and Editorial Influence - Media owners are increasingly involved in coverage decisions, dictating terms and influencing editorial posture [18][19] - Examples include Skyance's re-fashioning of CBS News and ownership changes at the Washington Post and Los Angeles Times [20][21]

Listen, we are quickly becoming a censorship state. I think Kimmel is just the beginning. Uh I think you're going to see a potential dizzying campaign of political repression against anyone who opposes this president.The question is, do I think that what Kimmel said is appropriate. Not really. I think it's terrible. And do I think it's good that Disney yanked a show.Yeah, I do actually. That was their choice. Is it First Amendment protected.Yes. But do you want me to agree with it. Like no, I think it's hor ...

The pace at which this happened is remarkable. Just take us through the timeline. Never look, Jimmy's comments or Kimmel comments were on his show Monday.We go through Tuesday without anything happening. There is some online outrage, of course, but but no comments from Disney or stations or anything like that. But then Wednesday, Brendan Carr, the chair of the Federal Communications Commission, went on Barry Johnson's podcast.Carr has been kind of have openly antagonized a lot of media companies, said that ...