The Moynihan Report Why I'm defending Jimmy Kimmel (and it's not why you think) | The Moynihan Report
20 snips
Sep 24, 2025 
Journalist and podcaster Mike Pesca joins Michael Moynihan to dissect Jimmy Kimmel's return to television amid political controversies. They delve into media bias, questioning the framing of motives behind violent incidents and assessing the role of comedians in free speech debates. The discussion touches on the complexities of political violence in the U.S., the pitfalls of conspiracy theories, and how misinformation affects public trust. Pesca and Moynihan also explore whether courtroom prosecutions should focus on actions rather than ideologies.
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FCC Pressure Became A Political Spectacle
- The FCC pressure on local broadcasters over Jimmy Kimmel created a political spectacle more than a substantive censorship precedent.
- Mike Pesca argues Trump likely saw the backlash as tactically unhelpful and backed off of escalating the fight.
'Complicated' Framing Erodes Trust
- Media often frames shooter motives as "complicated" when evidence points to clear political or ideological cues.
- Moynihan warns that soft-pedaling motives erodes public trust and skews who counts as a victim group.
Protect Comedic Speech From Government Policing
- Resist government or FCC policing of comedians' speech because comedy includes falsehood and exaggeration.
- Protect editorial independence even when public figures spread misleading claims.
