

Weekly Roundup: State Media, Jimmy Kimmel, and How Free Speech Dies
19 snips Sep 19, 2025
The discussion dives into the controversy surrounding Jimmy Kimmel and potential threats to free speech in America. Brad and Dan analyze the implications of political and media responses to Charlie Kirk’s death and the alarming rise of state-aligned outlets. They highlight the Heritage Foundation's dangerous labeling of trans people as domestic terrorists and the chilling effects on universities and businesses. Despite these authoritarian trends, the hosts emphasize the need for resistance and hope.
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FCC Threats Immediately Changed Network Behavior
- Brendan Carr publicly threatened FCC action which chilled broadcaster decisions within hours.
- Nexstar and Sinclair then preempted Jimmy Kimmel, demonstrating government pressure shapes media choices.
Why Kimmel Case Feels Different Than Ordinary Firings
- Kimmel's remark did not call for or celebrate violence, yet it triggered punitive action.
- Brad Onishi argues this differs from ordinary private firings because government threats made companies comply.
White House Hosted Charlie Kirk Podcast
- J.D. Vance hosted Charlie Kirk's show from the White House days after the killing.
- That act folded the Kirk brand into the Trump administration and symbolically canonized him.