Friends,

Today Michael and I take a deep dive into ABC’s decision this week to fire late-night entertainer Jimmy Kimmel — and why ABC caved to Trump and Trump’s FCC. The decision came barely two months after CBS canceled Stephen Colbert’s contract, for similar reasons. What’s the underlying story?

Are we on the verge of an authoritarian clampdown on criticism of the Trump regime? If so, what are our options and responsibilities? We explore the economics and the politics of free speech, what it requires from all of us.

Please pull up a chair, grab a cuppa, and join the conversation.

PS: You can find my new book, Coming Up Short, at your local bookstore, or order through bookshop.org, which supports local bookstores.

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Will I Get Canceled? | The Coffee Klatch for September 20, 2025