Overview

• ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel’s show following remarks about the killing of Charlie Kirk and has now signaled the program’s return.
• The head of the federal broadcast regulator publicly warned networks to take action, framing Kimmel’s comments as disinformation despite First Amendment protections.
• Commentary describes a broader risk to free expression, with warnings that regulatory pressure and high-stakes enforcement could chill political satire and criticism.
• Reports also point to changes around other late‑night programs, including references to CBS and Stephen Colbert, and allege merger approval leverage tied to curbing criticism of the president.
• Courts remain an active check, as shown by a federal judge in Tampa dismissing President Trump’s lawsuit against The New York Times as improper, while Attorney General Pam Bondi’s stance on hate speech drew legal scrutiny.