Downstream 104: Like a Vaccination
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Oct 3, 2025 Josef Adalian, an entertainment journalist from Vulture, dives deep into the Jimmy Kimmel controversy and the fraught dynamics between TV networks and affiliates. He discusses Disney's strategic pause for Kimmel, the political backlash from conservatives, and the potential for this situation to serve as a deterrent against future FCC overreach. Adalian also explains how affiliate compensation works and why networks struggle to go direct-to-consumer. The conversation offers a revealing look at the complexities of modern television.
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Cooling-Off Period Changed The Outcome
- The Kimmel suspension functioned as a pause to let the controversy cool and for allies to push back against FCC overreach.
- That delay let Kimmel return with an effective, reconciliatory monologue and reduced immediate business risk for Disney.
Regulatory Threats Backfire Politically
- Brendan Carr's threat illustrated how regulatory power can be weaponized to control speech.
- The backlash, including criticism from conservatives, showed the political costs of overt FCC intimidation.
Relationship With Executives Mattered
- Dana Walden built a strong relationship with Jimmy Kimmel over five years that helped navigate the crisis.
- Kimmel and ABC trusted each other enough to manage the suspension without leaks and reach a quick resolution.