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FCC Chair Denies Pressure as Kimmel Returns Amid Controversy

9/24/2025

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Summary

Story summary

FCC Chair Brendan Carr denies government pressure on Disney to suspend Jimmy Kimmel, citing poor ratings.
Carr's remarks about Charlie Kirk’s assassination sparked bipartisan backlash, perceived as intimidation.
ABC says Kimmel will return after talks with Disney, in the company's best interest.
Nexstar and Sinclair affiliates pulled Kimmel; critics, including California Attorney General Rob Bonta, accuse Carr of pressuring media.

History

Historical Context

The 1975 Supreme Court ruling in "Miami Herald Publishing Co. v. Tornillo" reinforced press freedom, establishing a precedent against government censorship. This historical context resonates today as tensions between media figures like Jimmy Kimmel and government officials, such as FCC Chair Brendan Carr, continue to surface, highlighting ongoing debates about free speech and media regulation in America.

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Story summary

FCC Chair Brendan Carr denies government pressure on Disney to suspend Jimmy Kimmel, citing poor ratings.
Carr's remarks about Charlie Kirk’s assassination sparked bipartisan backlash, perceived as intimidation.
ABC says Kimmel will return after talks with Disney, in the company's best interest.
Nexstar and Sinclair affiliates pulled Kimmel; critics, including California Attorney General Rob Bonta, accuse Carr of pressuring media.

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