Episode 37

Date: September 29, 2025

Episode 37 Summary:

• Bud notes
• Brendan Carr: 'We can do this the easy way or the hard way ... these companies can … take action, frankly, on Kimmel, or ... there’s going to be additional work for the FCC ahead.' https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2025/09/fcc-chairman-unconvincingly-claims-he-never-threatened-abc-station-licenses/
• The article says he 'unconvincingly' claims he never threatened the license. Well, there's a difference between pragmatics and semantics, and semantically he didn't. What really is meaning? Bud would argue the case for semantics-- his wife would that he not.
• Jimmy Kimmel comes back https://www.cnbc.com/2025/09/22/disney-abc-jimmy-kimmel-return.html
• Affiliates decline to bring back Kimmel initially. https://www.cnbc.com/2025/09/23/kimmel-abc-nexstar-sinclair-fcc.html
• Jimmy Kimmel and ABC reportedly fail to agree on deal to bring back late-night show https://www.inquirer.com/politics/jimmy-kimmel-return-abc-disney-fcc-trump-20250919.html
• 'One source said Disney felt backlash from consumers, who mounted a social media campaign to cancel their Disney+ subscriptions in response to the Kimmel suspension. Google searches for ‘how to cancel Disney+’ spiked to a 12-month high, according to Google Trends.' https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2025/sep/22/jimmy-kimmels-show-to-return-to-abc-on-tuesday-nig/
• Comedians speak truth to power. Good ones at least. I don't need a source for that.
• KOMO Sinclair political missive 1 - https://deadspin.com/how-americas-largest-local-tv-owner-turned-its-news-anc-1824233490/
• KOMO Sinclair political missive 2 - https://www.seattlepi.com/seattlenews/article/KOMO-fake-news-Sinclair-promos-12792032.php
• AI Summary
• In Episode 37 of the podcast, hosts Bud and Mike delve into an intricate discussion about the suspension and eventual reinstatement of Jimmy Kimmel from ABC'€™s late-night show lineup. The conversation predominantly revolves around the implications of government pressure on media companies, freedom of speech, and societal reactions.
• The podcast kicks off with Bud expressing widespread public interest in the abrupt suspension of Jimmy Kimmel following controversial remarks perceived as light-hearted about a sensitive topic. This incident sparked attempts by some FCC officials to have Kimmel canceled, a move initially entertained by ABC until public pressure led them to reverse this decision. Mike agrees with Bud that it is justified as a top story due to its broader implications.
• The hosts dissect the incident as a prime example of how government pressure, even if only implied, can lead media companies to self-censor, an action that could have grave consequences on the freedom of the press. They muse over the ease with which powerful media corporations, like Disney-owned ABC, seem willing to capitulate to government interference, especially following recent political changes and escalating tensions around political media control, as seen in similar cases involving comedians like Stephen Colbert.
• Moreover, Mike underscores the fear of governmental repercussions and the role of boycotts driven by public sentiment. He hints at the long-term brand damage Disney might incur over such decisions, likening the scenario to high-profile boycotts in history, including those against Target due to its fluctuating stance on DEI policies. He emphasizes that consumers express their discontent through financial choices, potentially destabilizing for a corporation dependent on its audience's goodwill worldwide.
• The hosts also examine the chilling effect on free expression in media, especially for comedians whose role has traditionally been to push societal boundaries. They argue that when viewed against past censures of professionals across various platforms (€”academia, news media, and now entertainment commedians) €”this incident signifies an infringement on foundational freedoms.
• In exploring the broader ramifications of the incident, Bud references local stations like Seattle'€™s Sinclair-owned KOMO, highlighting how regional affiliates wield considerable power in programming decisions. This situation bears significant financial consequences for publicly traded companies, indicating potential clashes between shareholder expectations and corporate responses to political pressures.
• The discussion also touches on the broader context of media consumption patterns across the U.S., specifically comparing the reach and impact of different networks. They stress that traditional media companies must weigh the potential losses in audience loyalty and revenue if forced to balance politically motivated decisions against broader business interests.
• Finally, their conversation suggests skepticism towards the motivations of large media companies and questions about genuine convictions versus profit-driven decisions. Both Bud and Mike conclude with contemplations on the potential for seismic shifts in public media consumption and the critical importance of protecting freedom of expression for the vitality and richness of public discourse.

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