Brian Stelter’s Response to Jimmy Kimmel’s Benching Is Exactly What You Would Anticipate

Jimmy Kimmel’s Hiatus Sparks Freedom Debate

On Wednesday, CNN Media reporter Brian Stelter suggested that the decision by ABC to place Jimmy Kimmel’s show on hold indicated a decrease in freedom within the U.S.

ABC made the announcement that Kimmel’s show would be paused, following comments made on air regarding the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk during a Monday episode. According to Stelter, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brandon Kerr exerted pressure on ABC during an interview where he spoke about the situation on a podcast with Benny Johnson.

“This all happened quite suddenly after Kerr’s remarks,” Stelter explained to host Erin Burnett. “Once Kerr spoke on that far-right podcast, several stations that are affiliated with ABC but owned by different companies began voicing concerns to ABC. Nexstar is one such network, with around 20 stations using the ABC branding and content. They’ve publicly stated that they’re indefinitely pulling Kimmel’s show.”

“Shortly after, I heard that Disney was withdrawing support for the show,” Stelter continued. “That hints that other station owners might be feeling similar fears. They probably have plans in place to not air Kimmel as well.”

Meanwhile, Utah Republican Spencer Cox discussed details he gathered during the manhunt for Tyler Robinson, accused of wounding Kirk. It’s reported that the ammunition found was marked with left-wing phrases, such as “Bellachao,” which is associated with Italian left-wing militias from World War II.

“If late-night hosts are unable to express themselves freely, then America isn’t truly free,” Stelter remarked. “Sure, they can adapt—but viewers can change the channel if they want. It’s a way of voting. But this situation has a chilling effect throughout the media landscape in the U.S.”

Previously, Kimmel had stirred controversy with remarks about increased vandalism at Tesla dealerships early in Trump’s presidency.

There have been various reactions on social media, with some expressing support or justifying Kirk’s assassination, particularly on platforms like Bluesky, where figures like MSNBC’s Matthew Dowd and Washington Post’s Karen Attiah have faced backlash.