ABC Cancels Jimmy Kimmel Show Following FCC Threat, Sparking First Amendment concerns
WASHINGTON D.C. - ABC announced the cancellation of Jimmy Kimmel Live! today, a decision swiftly following a public statement by Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Commissioner Brendan Carr suggesting the agency could review the licenses of ABC’s local stations if Disney did not take action against Kimmel. The move has ignited a firestorm of controversy, with critics alleging political pressure and a chilling effect on free speech.
Carr’s comments stemmed from Kimmel’s past criticisms of former President Donald Trump and a recent health reform proposal by Trump and Senator Bill Cassidy. In a podcast,Carr stated,”We can do this in the simple way or the hard way. These companies can find ways to change behavior and take action against Kimmel, otherwise FCC will get more work ahead.”
The timing of ABC’s decision has drawn particular scrutiny. It occurred shortly after the cancellation of The Colbert Show and prompted a celebratory response from Trump, who has a long-standing feud with Kimmel. On his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote, “GOOD NEWS USA: The Jimmy Kimmel show, which is struggling with viewership, has been canceled.” He further stated, “Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what needed to be done,” and called for NBC to cancel The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Late Night with Seth Meyers, labeling both hosts “complete losers.”
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer condemned the cancellation as “scandalous,” comparing it to tactics employed by the chinese government. “This is simply abominable, repulsive and contrary to democratic values,” Schumer told CNN. “Trump and his allies seem to want to stop statements they don’t like to hear.”
Ari cohn of the Freedom of the Press Foundation echoed Schumer’s concerns, stating, “The government pushed ABC – and ABC gave in. The time of ABC’s decision, right after the FCC leader’s promise to the channel to ’do this in the simple way or the hard way,’ says the whole story.” Cohn warned that the situation represents “another media house [succumbing] to pressure from the authorities,” potentially encouraging further suppression of critical reporting.
Congressman Robert Garcia expressed alarm,stating,”The idea that someone should be taken off a news programme – from a channel that should be independent – and that ABC makes this decision as of possible political pressure from the president is both startling and scandalous.”
Donald Trump jr. offered a contrasting viewpoint, arguing the cancellation was a result of “Result Culture,” stating, “They do not lose their jobs because of ‘cancel culture,’ they lose them because of the ‘Consequence Culture.’ Consequences and accountability are something the Democrats have not had to deal with in a long time.”
