ABC’s Decision to Remove Jimmy Kimmel Live!
ABC’s decision to remove "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" from the air for an indefinite period has sent shock waves through the media industry and the political world. The move has been criticized by commentators as censorship, with many expressing their outrage and disappointment on social media.
Background of the Decision
The decision to remove Jimmy Kimmel Live! from the air came after Nexstar Media, one of the largest owners of television stations in the USA, threatened to prevent the program’s broadcast due to Kimmel’s comments on Kirk. Nexstar’s decision was seen as a direct response to Kimmel’s monologue, in which he made comments about Kirk’s alleged shooter, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson from Utah.
Reactions from Celebrities and Politicians
Many celebrities and politicians have spoken out against the decision to remove Jimmy Kimmel Live! from the air. Wanda Sykes, who was a guest on the show, expressed her disappointment, saying "Let’s see. He did not end the Ukraine decline or solve the Gaza conflict within his first week. But he ended the freedom of speech within his first year." Ben Stiller also weighed in, saying "It’s not right." California Governor Gavin Newsom accused the Republican Party of not believing in freedom of speech, saying "They censor them in real-time."
Criticism from Media Personalities
MSNBC presenter Chris Hayes said, "This is the most uncomplicated attack on freedom of speech by state actors that I have ever seen in my life, and it’s not even close." Don Lemon called the decision "some frightening shit," saying "the people who complain about canceling people can cancel people. What does that say to them? You don’t believe in something you say. This is a very dangerous, scary moment." Mike Birbiglia asked his fellow colleagues to stand up for Kimmel, saying "I spent a lot of time in public and private defenders."
Accusations of Coordinated Attack on Free Press
Actor and podcaster Paul Scheer wrote, "So let me make it clear. He linked a video of the Fox commentator Brian Kilmeade, who killed after homeless." David Sirota, co-author of "Do not look up," quoted reporting from his outlet, saying "Nexstar is currently striving for a merger and the FCC is using the local owner rules." Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said, "It is clear. And that is what we see from the Trump administration across the board. They use the power of the government to pursue business to do it to do things they need or want to, or honestly, likely to offend someone every night."
FCC Chairman’s Statement
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr threatened to take action against ABC, saying "Local radio operators are obliged to serve the public interest. This is an unprecedented decision, but it is important that broadcasting operators use Disney programs that they do not determine the falls in the community briefly." After Kimmel was taken off the air, Carr published a statement on social media, thanking Nexstar for "doing the right thing."
Reactions from Other Public Figures
Adam Schiff tweeted, "Kimmel. Colbert. Suits against the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and 60 minutes. Extension of settlements from CBS, ABC, and others. Blocking the AP access to the White House. This administration is for the most obvious attacks on the free press in…" Kevin Nash said, "So @ABCNetwork, your programming is not viewed in my home. I think there is no freedom of speech in your network. In times like this addiction to America for a spine. I will wait and see where @jimmykimmel stands. Period!" Hasanabi tweeted, "Every company immediately folds down into an administrator, even if it is an extremely innutable joke that the administrator does not like! Liberals have to wake up !!!! We all have to defend ourselves, these wealthy assholes will not work for everything that goes beyond their end result!"
