The Town with Matthew Belloni Kimmel’s Return, Disney’s Decision, and Iger’s Legacy
61 snips
Sep 23, 2025 
Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg reporter specializing in media and entertainment, joins the conversation to unpack the fallout from Jimmy Kimmel's reinstatement on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' Shaw reveals how public pressure forced Disney's hand after their initial suspension of Kimmel. The duo dives into Michael Eisner's sharp criticism of Bob Iger and explores how these events impact Iger's legacy. They also discuss the potential ramifications for ABC affiliates and upcoming NFL ratings forecasts, making for an engaging and insightful dialogue.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Iger’s Legacy Drove The Reversal
- Disney initially suspended Jimmy Kimmel to avoid inflaming a tense political moment, then reversed the decision after pressure.
- Bob Iger's concern about legacy and criticism accelerated the move to bring Kimmel back.
Backlash Forced A Rapid Pivot
- Disney miscalculated the fallout and issued a hasty, damaging statement that made the situation worse.
- Public backlash and Hollywood pressure forced Disney to pivot and restore the show quickly.
Story Became A Symbolic Culture War
- The controversy became symbolic of a larger fight over freedom of speech and attacks on institutions.
- That framing amplified global media attention and pressured Disney beyond the immediate controversy.