As Importantly, We Are Thrilled With the Public Response That Drove These Decisions.

Florida NOW Condemns These Attacks on the Media As A Severe Encroachment On The Right To Free Speech.

Florida NOW strongly condemns the recent suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! and the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, actions widely viewed as politically motivated and emblematic of a growing assault on free speech and dissent in American media. However, we are encouraged by ABC, Nexstar response to public pressure.

“These are not just entertainment decisions—they are authoritarian tactics,” said Julie Kent President of Florida NOW. “When comedians are silenced for criticizing political figures, it’s not just satire under attack—it’s democracy itself. Although we appreciate that ABC and Nexstar reversed their decision, they cannot let themselves be silenced by this corrupt regime.”

The FCC Chairman, Brendan Carr, threatened regulatory action against ABC and Disney after Kimmel’s remarks about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk (‘we can do this easy way or the hard way”). The FCC is supposed to be an independent agency but now acts at the behest of Trump. The ‘mafia-like’ tactic has no place in America.

Florida NOW views these developments as part of a broader pattern of political retaliation:

• Federal officials threatening broadcast licenses over content deemed unfavorable
• Corporate media capitulating to political pressure, undermining journalistic and artistic integrity
• Public figures being punished for challenging authoritarian narratives

“These actions send a chilling message to every woman, LGBTQ+ person, and marginalized voice who dares to speak truth to power,” said Debbie Deland, VP FL NOW. “We stand with Kimmel, Colbert, any media and every creator who refuses to be silenced. We are strongly committed to the First Amendment and fight for Freedom of the Press, Free Speech, and Freedom of Assembly.”

Florida NOW calls on:

• Media companies to resist political interference and defend editorial independence
• Elected officials to uphold First Amendment protections
• Viewers and voters to demand accountability and transparency from regulators

We urge all Floridians to recognize that censorship—whether subtle or overt—is a threat to all forms of advocacy, including the fight for gender justice, reproductive rights, and LGBTQ+ equality.

Write the President on your expectation for him to protect free speech, freedom of the press, and the freedom to assemble. In addition, tell him he must stop his retribution tactics aimed at his perceived enemies.

 

Contact: Debbie Deland, VP FL NOW, 407 234-6408, vp@flnow.org