More than 100 former ABC News employees — including high-profile names such as Sam Donaldson, Tom Bettag, and Judy Muller — have signed a letter pressing Disney CEO Bob Iger to take a stronger public stance against political intimidation and government pressure targeting journalists.
The letter, first obtained by CNN, commends Disney’s decision to bring Jimmy Kimmel back on the air following his brief suspension earlier this month. But the former staffers stress that the move must mark only the beginning of a larger effort to defend press freedom and the integrity of ABC News.
A Call for a Firmer Stand
“We want to acknowledge and commend your decision to reinstate Jimmy Kimmel’s show,” the group wrote. “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. Yet, it must be just the first step in a concerted effort to defend free speech and press freedom against political intimidation.”
The letter highlights concerns that the lack of strong public support for ABC News journalists has “emboldened Administration efforts to intimidate the press.” The signatories are calling on Iger to reaffirm his reputation as a defender of journalistic independence by making clear that neither Disney nor its news division will bow to political interference.
Notable Signatories
Among those adding their names to the appeal is Kayce Freed Jennings, widow of longtime World News Tonight anchor Peter Jennings. The effort was organized by former ABC correspondent Lisa Stark and former executive producer Ian Cameron.
The letter urges Disney leadership to:
- Publicly and unequivocally defend ABC journalists under attack.
- Push back aggressively against government attempts to undermine First Amendment protections.
- Make clear that the company will not be silenced or intimidated by political pressure.
The Trump Lawsuit and Settlement
The controversy comes against the backdrop of ABC’s $16 million settlement with Donald Trump late last year. The former president sued the network and anchor George Stephanopoulos over a remark on This Week suggesting that a jury had found him liable for rape. In fact, Trump had been found liable for sexual assault in the civil case.
The settlement, reached shortly before Trump took office, has fueled criticism that the network has been reluctant to confront the former president’s attacks directly. The letter argues that silence in the face of intimidation only strengthens efforts to weaken press freedoms.
The Jimmy Kimmel Factor
The latest flashpoint came after FCC chairman Brendan Carr issued a warning to ABC affiliates regarding a remark made on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Within hours, Disney pulled the late-night program indefinitely. The move drew sharp criticism, not only from media observers but also from former president Barack Obama and former Disney CEO Michael Eisner, who urged the company to resist political interference.
The backlash appears to have had an impact. Kimmel returned to the air on Tuesday night, accompanied by Hollywood heavyweight Robert De Niro. His return generated a significant ratings bump and was widely viewed as a test of Disney’s willingness to resist political pressure.
Still, the suspension and reinstatement have left lingering questions about the company’s long-term strategy when confronted with government threats.
Trump’s Latest Threats
Just hours before Kimmel’s return, Trump once again targeted ABC, posting on social media that the show amounted to an “illegal campaign contribution” and vowing to “test ABC out on this.”
Campaign finance experts, however, dismiss the claim. The Federal Election Commission provides a “news media exemption” that covers such programming, and commercial broadcast activity is also shielded. “There is no indication the decision [to bring Kimmel back] is being driven by anything other than a commercial decision,” said Saurav Ghosh, director of federal campaign finance reform at the Campaign Legal Center. “That is not even close to a campaign contribution.”
The Bigger Picture
For the former ABC journalists, the stakes extend far beyond a late-night program. Their letter frames the current conflict as part of a broader battle over the role of independent media in a democracy. They argue that if Disney, one of the most powerful media companies in the world, does not stand firmly in support of its journalists, the chilling effect could ripple across the entire industry.
“Your legacy includes a reputation as a staunch defender of the essential role of journalism in a healthy democracy,” the letter concludes. “We urge you now to reaffirm that legacy.”
Disney has yet to respond publicly to the letter. A company spokesperson declined to comment when contacted earlier this week.
For now, the former employees’ message is clear: reinstating Jimmy Kimmel may have been the right move, but defending the newsroom itself is the real test of Bob Iger’s leadership.
