Introduction to the Issue
A group of more than 100 former ABC news journalists sent a letter to the CEO of Disney, Bob Iger, in which he was asked to "make a concerted effort to defend freedom and freedom of the press against political intimidation". The letter was received shortly after ABC’s "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" was suspended and then brought back on the air.
Background on the Suspension
The suspension of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" was a significant event that prompted the letter from the former ABC journalists. The show was brought back on the air on Tuesday evening, with the decision being seen as "an important statement that political intimidation should not dictate the programs of ABC".
The Letter’s Message
The letter begins by acknowledging the decision to bring back "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" but emphasizes that it is only the first step. The signatories state that "Disney has both the responsibility and the opportunity to stand against the surrender and defense of democratic values". They also mention that ABC’s $16-million settlement with Trump last December encouraged the president and that "the first change is not negotiable".
The Signatories
The list of signatories includes former correspondents such as Sam Donaldson and Judy Müller, former executive producers such as Tom Bettag, and Kayce Freed Jennings, widow of the famous ABC anchor Peter Jennings. The former ABC correspondent Lisa Stark and the former executive producer Ian Cameron cited the letter, saying "We understand that Disney and other networks are under enormous political and economic pressure, but this is a moment when Bob Iger and others are not allowed to fluctuate in protecting the free press and their journalists".
Kimmel’s Monologue
Kimmel emphasized Trump’s pressure against news channels in his widely respected monologue on Tuesday evening. He said "We have to speak against this bully. He doesn’t stop. And it’s not just a comedy. He also shoots for our journalists. He sues them, he harasses them". About an hour before the Kimmel episode was broadcast, Trump recorded a new threat to ABC about the social truth and accused the network of an illegal campaign contribution unfounded.
The Impact on Journalists
The political pressure on ABC’s parent company has brought journalists at ABC News into a difficult position. However, the news department has thoroughly reported on the Kimmel controversy and broken key stories about the Trump administration. Last Sunday, Jon Karl from ABC headed the edition of the public affair “this week” program with a comprehensive view of Trump’s pursuit of “retribution”. He also pointed out a newly announced Pentagon Directive that "would commit reporters to collect or not use information, even not classified information that was not expressly approved for publication, and the press passports of reporters that do not obey".
Concerns About Press Freedom
The newly announced Pentagon Directive has raised concerns about press freedom in the United States. Jon Karl said "This is a policy that you expect in China, Russia or North Korea, but not in the United States", adding it to a list of steps by the federal government to silence voices that are critical of President Trump. The former ABC journalists’ letter and Kimmel’s monologue highlight the importance of defending freedom of the press and democratic values in the face of political intimidation.
