The DSR Network NTK: How Do We Save Free Speech in America?
Sep 26, 2025
Suzanne Nossel, former CEO of PEN America and author of 'Dare to Speak', dives into the alarming state of free speech in America. She discusses the significance of incidents like Jimmy Kimmel's suspension and the historical patterns of censorship. Nossel emphasizes the unique targeting of comedians by autocrats and warns of a dangerous authoritarian playbook that is emerging in the U.S. She advocates for strong coalitions and legal strategies to combat these threats while examining the dual nature of new media in the fight for free expression.
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Comedy As Political Threat
- Suzanne Nossel warns that Jimmy Kimmel's suspension shows how satire threatens authoritarian power and can be silenced quickly.
- She compares this tactic to global autocrats who target comedians to suppress dissent.
PEN America's Global Cases
- Nossel recounts PEN America's defense work for Charlie Hebdo survivors and other targeted comedians worldwide.
- She cites Bassem Youssef and international examples to show the real risks comedians face.
Mass Reach Of Satire
- Nossel explains comedians reach broad, mass audiences and can communicate ideas others cannot without satire.
- That reach and oblique critique make them uniquely potent threats to power.
