PBS News Hour - Full Show September 18, 2025 – PBS News Hour full episode
Sep 18, 2025
The sudden suspension of Jimmy Kimmel raises eyebrows about free speech amid the Trump administration. A revamped CDC vaccine committee now includes skeptics, altering recommendations for childhood vaccinations. The U.S. government's rising interest payments pose significant fiscal challenges. Additionally, the Senate's new rules expedite confirmations, and insights from Israel's ambassador shed light on Gaza's political landscape. These pressing issues intertwine with debates on originalism and constitutional interpretations.
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FCC Pressure Shaped Programming
- Disney pulled Jimmy Kimmel after FCC pressure and local affiliates' threats, showing indirect government influence on broadcast content.
- Media decisions can be coerced via regulatory leverage tied to pending mergers and licenses.
Precedent Risks For Future Administrations
- Dylan Byers says Disney capitulated after public FCC threats and Nexstar's preemptions, making the decision less ambiguous.
- He warns this sets a precedent future presidents could exploit to pressure media programming.
Overhauled ACIP Undermines Trust
- ACIP's overhaul produced mixed, confusing votes that limit some vaccine options and sow insurer distrust.
- Expert presenters remained strong, but some new committee members dismissed data in favor of trust concerns.
