Front Burner Jimmy Kimmel, free speech and big money media
8 snips
Sep 25, 2025 
Eoin Higgins, independent reporter and author of 'Owned,' dives into the intriguing world of media consolidation and censorship pressures. He discusses Jimmy Kimmel's return to late night, shedding light on the corporate influences that dictated his reinstatement. The conversation unpacks the role of right-wing tech billionaires, including their motivations for investing in media and the implications for free speech. Higgins also explores the shifting dynamics within major news networks, revealing how political affiliations shape editorial choices.
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Kimmel Framed It As Free Speech
- Jimmy Kimmel framed his suspension as a free-speech issue while apologizing for unintended hurt.
- Eoin Higgins says Kimmel wisely focused on FCC threats and political pressure rather than every broader censorship case.
Corporate Calculus Behind Reinstatement
- Disney reinstated Kimmel partly to avoid subscription and boycott damage amid economic uncertainty.
- Higgins argues corporate decisions respond to pressure from regulators and distribution partners like Nexstar and Sinclair.
Carr Echoes Long-Running Right Narratives
- Brendan Carr promotes a narrative that media skews liberal and must be corrected.
- Higgins connects this stance to long-running conservative critiques like the Fairness Doctrine repeal.
