More than 100 former ABC employees are urging Disney CEO Bob Iger to publicly defend journalists after the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live.
Letter to Bob Iger
After the suspension and return of Jimmy Kimmel Live, over 100 former ABC employees, many of whom are also Disney shareholders, are urging Disney CEO Bob Iger to take action.
Specifically, they want him to defend free speech and press freedom against political intimidation by the Trump administration. In part, the letter, organized by Lisa Stark and Ian Cameron, states:
We want to acknowledge and commend your decision to reinstate Jimmy Kimmel’s show. It was the right call and an important statement that political intimidation should not dictate ABC’s programming. This action reflects the values that have long defined The Walt Disney Company.
The continued political pressure from the president and others in his Administration undermines both the journalistic integrity of ABC News and the First Amendment rights you have long defended.
The former employees state that Disney has both the responsibility and the opportunity to lead by standing firmly against capitulation and in defense of democratic values, in the following ways:
- Publicly and unequivocally defend ABC journalists against political attacks
- Aggressively push back against government efforts to undermine the First Amendment
- Make clear that ABC News—and Disney—will not be silenced or intimidated by political pressure
Do you agree that Bob Iger should step up when it comes to publicly defending journalists? Let us know in the comments and on social media.
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