Over the past twenty years, Jimmy Kimmel has conducted numerous interviews on his late-night talk show, including with high-profile figures such as Disney CEO Bob Iger. Recently, Kimmel’s show was suspended indefinitely by ABC, which is owned by Disney. Although an anonymous spokesperson announced the decision, reports indicated that Iger had a significant role in it.
Iger is part of a small group of influential executives managing major media organizations in the U.S. This group includes David Ellison, CEO of Paramount Skydance, which oversees CBS, and Brian Roberts of Comcast, who leads NBC and MSNBC. Recently, some broadcasters have faced scrutiny regarding their responses to pressures from the Trump administration, prompting legal settlements, such as CBS’s $16 million payment to Trump and ABC’s $15 million settlement.
Following Kimmel’s comments related to conservative figures, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr suggested that the government could impose regulatory measures on ABC and Disney unless they addressed the situation regarding Kimmel’s remarks. Carr’s comments coincided with the announcement of Kimmel’s suspension, which was noted and praised by Trump.
Media analysts point out that the intertwining of entertainment and government has raised concerns about free speech. The Telecommunications Act of 1996 has allowed significant consolidation within media ownership, leading to increased influence from powerful entities on content decisions. Critics argue that companies may feel pressured to conform to governmental expectations to secure favorable business outcomes, raising issues around First Amendment rights.
The future of Kimmel’s show remains uncertain, as the implications of regulatory actions by government bodies have raised alarms among free speech advocates, emphasizing the responsibility of media companies to uphold free expression despite external pressures.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/sep/20/disney-paramount-cower-trump-criticism