Late-Night Host’s Future Tied to Politics and Business
NEW YORK – The future of Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show on ABC is about more than just jokes. Business deals, government rules, and even the views of President Trump all play a role.
ABC’s owner, Walt Disney Co., is a huge company that often needs the government’s okay to buy businesses or get licenses. The Trump administration has been looking into Disney for possible violations of rules.
Kimmel was recently in trouble for comments about supporters of Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist. Some felt Kimmel suggested they were trying to take advantage of Kirk’s shooting. A top official at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Brendan Carr, called the comments “sick” and said his agency might investigate. Carr works for President Trump, who has openly criticized Kimmel’s comedy.
Two large companies that own many ABC stations, Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcasting, have said they won’t show Kimmel’s program.
Disney has tried to avoid trouble with the Trump administration in the past. They paid $15 million to settle a lawsuit and removed some programs that promoted diversity.
The FCC sent a strong letter to Disney CEO Bob Iger, saying they were concerned the company was too focused on minority groups. They started an investigation to see if Disney had stopped policies that favored “underrepresented groups.”
A deal for Disney to buy a stake in FuboTV is also being looked at for possible violations of antitrust laws. The Federal Trade Commission is investigating whether Disney broke rules by collecting personal data from children without parents’ permission. Disney paid $10 million to settle that case.
ESPN, which is owned by Disney, needs approval from the Trump administration to buy the NFL Network.
Disney has also faced criticism from conservatives. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis argued with the company over its opposition to a law about discussing sexual orientation in schools.
Charlie Kirk also criticized Disney for closing Splash Mountain rides at its theme parks, saying it was “destructive to our cultural and societal fabric.”
Nexstar and Sinclair, the companies that won’t air Kimmel’s show, also have business before the government. Nexstar needs approval to buy Tegna, another broadcasting company. Sinclair is working to fix problems with paperwork and follow rules about advertising on children’s shows.
Some are urging these companies to stand up for free speech, even if it means financial risk.
Even some conservative voices, like the Wall Street Journal, have criticized the attacks on Kimmel. They argue that conservatives should oppose censorship, as they have been targets of “cancel culture” in the past.
The Free Press wrote that when a network punishes a talent right after the FCC makes a threat, it looks like government coercion. They questioned whether the Trump administration is punishing broadcasters for comedy that doesn’t align with its politics.
