Is Donald Trump Right to Celebrate ABC's Move Against Kimmel and Push NBC to Cancel Its Hosts?

Trump Celebrates Cancellation of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" and Calls for More Late-Night Changes

Former President Donald Trump has expressed his approval following the announcement that ABC is cancelling "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" for comments made by host Jimmy Kimmel after the death of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. Trump has suggested that other late-night hosts should also face similar scrutiny and consequences for their comments.

Last updated: 25 October 2023 (BST)

Trump took to his platform, Truth Social, to celebrate the cancellation, stating, "Great News for America: The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED. Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done." He further criticized Kimmel's talent and ratings, comparing them unfavourably to other late-night hosts including Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Fallon, and Seth Meyers.

Key Takeaways

• Trump praises ABC's decision to cancel "Jimmy Kimmel Live!"
• Cancellation follows comments Kimmel made regarding Charlie Kirk's death.
• Trump calls for further action against other late-night hosts.
• ABC is owned by Disney, which may influence their programming choices.
• Brendan Carr, FCC chair, condemned Kimmel's remarks publicly.

Context Behind the Cancellation

The cancellation of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" comes at a time when late-night television is under scrutiny for the political comments made by its hosts. In recent years, many have noted a shift in late-night programming, with hosts increasingly engaging in political discourse. Kimmel's remarks, which reportedly drew ire from conservative circles, appear to have crossed a line for ABC and its affiliates.

Brendan Carr's public condemnation of Kimmel's comments served as a catalyst for ABC's decision. As FCC chair, Carr holds significant influence over broadcasting standards and practices, and his criticism may have pressured the network to act decisively. Nexstar, a media company that owns several ABC affiliate stations, also announced its intention to pull Kimmel from its lineup, further complicating ABC's situation.

The Impact on Late-Night Television

The future of late-night television could be in flux as a result of this cancellation. Trump's comments and the actions of major networks signal a potential shift in how networks handle controversial content. The late-night landscape may become less tolerant of remarks that could be deemed offensive or politically charged, leading to increased scrutiny on hosts.

Trump's comments suggest that he believes other late-night hosts, particularly Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers, are at risk of similar fates. This could create a chilling effect among comedians and commentators who wish to express their political opinions on air.

What Happens Next?

As this situation develops, it remains to be seen whether ABC, NBC, or any other network will take further action against their late-night hosts. If the trend of cancelling shows based on controversial comments continues, it could lead to a significant shift in the format and content of late-night programming.

Moreover, the ratings of late-night shows have been a topic of discussion. Trump's assertion that Kimmel has "ZERO talent" and poor ratings compared to Colbert highlights a competitive environment where ratings are crucial for survival. Networks may feel pressured to take a hard stance to protect their advertising revenue and viewer base.

The Role of Social Media in Shaping Public Opinion

Social media platforms like Truth Social have become crucial in shaping public sentiment around television programming and political commentary. Trump's influence and reach on platforms allow him to mobilise supporters and voice opinions that can sway public perception and potentially impact network decisions.

Late-Night Hosts Under Fire

Late-night hosts have often found themselves in the crosshairs of public opinion, especially in a politically charged environment. This latest incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance comedians must strike between humour and sensitivity. Hosts like Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, and Seth Meyers may need to reconsider their approach to political commentary moving forward.

As viewers increasingly turn to social media for news and commentary, the expectations placed on hosts may evolve. Networks might choose to prioritise content that aligns more closely with audience expectations, potentially leading to a homogenisation of late-night programming.

Conclusion

The cancellation of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" marks a significant moment in the world of late-night television, highlighting the increasing pressure on hosts to navigate a complex landscape of political commentary and audience expectations. As this situation evolves, it raises important questions about the future of comedy in a politically charged environment. Will networks continue to pull shows based on controversial comments, or will they stand by their hosts? The coming weeks may provide more insight into this ongoing narrative.

What do you think the future holds for late-night television in light of these recent developments? #LateNightTV #DonaldTrump #JimmyKimmel

FAQs

Why was "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" cancelled?

"Jimmy Kimmel Live!" was cancelled following controversial comments made by Kimmel about Charlie Kirk's death, which drew criticism from various political figures, including Brendan Carr, the FCC chair.

What did Donald Trump say about the cancellation?

Donald Trump celebrated the cancellation on Truth Social, praising ABC for taking action and criticising Kimmel's talent and ratings, suggesting that other late-night hosts should also be addressed.

Who are the other late-night hosts Trump mentioned?

Trump mentioned Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers as other late-night hosts he believes should face scrutiny due to their ratings and content.

What is the role of social media in this situation?

Social media, particularly platforms like Truth Social, allows public figures like Trump to express their opinions and influence public sentiment around television shows and controversial comments made by hosts.

Could this cancellation affect the future of late-night television?

Yes, the cancellation may signal a shift in how networks handle controversial content, potentially leading to increased scrutiny of late-night hosts and a change in the nature of political commentary on these shows.