FCC Chairman Responds to Disney’s Suspension of Jimmy Kimmel
On Monday, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Kerr dismissed claims that the government pressured Disney into sidelining Jimmy Kimmel.
“Jimmy Kimmel finds himself in this position based on his own assessment, not due to federal influence,” Kerr stated at a forum in New York.
Kerr has faced bipartisan criticism since last week when he spoke to podcaster Benny Johnson, saying, “We have the option to handle this easily or the hard way; these companies can certainly adjust their behavior.”
Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) remarked on NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday that such governmental interference is “absolutely inappropriate.” He pledged to contest any attempt to regulate speech. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) likened Kerr’s warning to a scene from “Goodfellas,” drawing a parallel to a gangster intimidating bar owners.
Former Disney CEO Michael Eisner characterized the situation as “out-of-control threats,” suggesting the network’s compliance raised doubts about the executives’ political or financial motivations.
The White House backed the suspension, with spokesman Stephen Chen stating, “Jimmy Kimmel is a silent casualty in relying on damaging assessments and spreading falsehoods to the audience.” He added, “The network discarded him like an empty beer can.”
During a broadcast on September 15, Kimmel linked the alleged murderer of Kirk, Tyler Robinson, to the Magazine movement. Utah officials noted that Robinson had extreme ideological views, with text messages revealing he targeted Kirk due to a “hate” for conservative activists.
Broadcasting companies Nexstar and Sinclair have swiftly moved to preempt Kimmel’s show, indicating it won’t be aired unless corrective measures are implemented.
Disney announced Kimmel’s indefinite suspension just two days following the broadcast.
The situation has not gone unnoticed by other celebrities. Howard Stern voiced his concerns on his SiriusXM show, stating, “I can no longer stay silent… this includes ABC.” He reflected on his own battles with the FCC, arguing, “The government shouldn’t dictate speech; it’s not a good direction for the country.” Stern reminisced about the 1990s, recalling how regulators had tried to block a merger due to a contentious morning show.
“In this country, the government shouldn’t tell you what to say,” he added. Stern vowed to cancel his Disney+ subscription, asserting, “ABC wanted to dismiss Jimmy because they weren’t fond of him or due to low ratings, but they’re feeling pressure from the U.S. government. This should not be happening.”





