Plus: Reuters’ first social-first video reporter explains strategy; Trump suggests public companies should only report earnings semi-annually.
“Jimmy Kimmel Live!” was suspended indefinitely by ABC this week after social media-fueled backlash highlighted a monologue in which Kimmel said conservatives were trying “to score political points” over the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
“We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it,” Kimmel said, per the New York Times.
Elon Musk, among other conservative news hosts and influencers, reposted the clip, which gained millions of views, with Musk calling the comments “disgusting.”
The trigger to pull Kimmel included pressure from FCC Chair Brendan Carr, who criticized Kimmel’s remarks and suggested that Disney-owned ABC affiliates could lose their broadcasting licenses if they did not react.
Nexstar Media Group pulled Kimmel’s show from many of its affiliate stations,. Shortly thereafter, ABC pulled the show indefinitely.
The move sparked celebration from the right and criticism from the left. Free-speech advocates, media figures and some politicians argued that this represents a serious threat to First Amendment protections, especially when government officials are effectively influencing programming decisions.
Others, including Marvel actress Tatiana Maslany, called on people to cancel their Disney+ subscriptions in the wake of the controversy and in protest of the network.
Why it matters: Businesses are caught between a rock and a hard place here. They are bound by two opposing forces, each with serious implications.
When commentary causes potential regulatory consequences, like losing broadcasting licenses, media owners, networks and correspondents may begin to self-censor or pass altogether on challenging narratives in order to fall in line.
On the other hand, doing this risks alienating some stakeholders and the trust of longtime supporters. The activism from media and free-speech groups suggests the issue is not simply partisan, but rather, there is broader concern about precedent.
If regulatory pressure genuinely creates legal or operational risk, businesses can explain that openly. Stakeholders are more likely to forgive if companies acknowledge, “We face an unprecedented threat to our license if we don’t act,” rather than making vague or contradictory justifications, or staying silent.
Once credibility is lost, it’s very hard to rebuild. Leaders need a clear hierarchy of values that guide their decision-making, and they must stand behind them, before crises hit.
How Disney reacts now could set a precedent for other networks and businesses moving forward.
Editor’s Top Reads:
- Reuters’ first social-first video reporter, Tristan Werkmeister, is reaching audiences through more social platforms including TikTok, Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts. Since his appointment this year, Reuters has produced four times more vertical videos per day, with social content now planned at the outset rather than as an afterthought. Werkmeister’s goal, he said, is to unlock journalists’ “social brain” by emphasizing strong hooks, visual storytelling and sharper pacing. “All age groups are consuming news on social,” he told Nieman Lab, noting that audiences increasingly expect content that is “accessible, relatable, and authentic.” The shift has also changed Reuters’ workflows, bringing video, text and social teams together and incorporating AI tools for scripting and captions. Reuters’ move signals how news consumption has shifted to social-first formats. Authenticity and relatability are key to building trust through human-led storytelling, while campaigns must be designed for vertical video from the start. PR pros must work across functions to adapt messages for different platforms and assume social is a preference now for all age demographics, not just Gen Z and Alpha.
- President Donald Trump has proposed a shift for U.S. public companies from quarterly to semi-annual earnings reports, arguing it would save costs and let executives focus on running their businesses instead of meeting short-term targets. “Subject to SEC Approval, Companies and Corporations should no longer be forced to ‘Report’ on a quarterly basis (Quarterly Reporting!), but rather to Report on a Six (6) Month Basis,” the president posted on his Truth Social account, per Investors Business Daily. “This will save money and allow managers to focus on properly running their companies.” Supporters, including the Long-Term Stock Exchange, say the change could encourage “longer-horizon decision-making,” while critics warn it would reduce market transparency, give insiders more room to delay bad news and heighten volatility. The SEC says it is currently reviewing the proposal. For businesses and communications teams, the implications are significant. With fewer disclosures, each earnings report will carry greater weight and more scrutiny, making messaging, transparency and forward-looking statements even more critical to maintaining investor and stakeholder trust. This could mean that companies may need to supplement less frequent financial reporting with more updates and clearer explanations of their long term strategies. The challenge will be striking the right balance and making it clear that less frequent reporting doesn’t mean less accountability.
- United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby recently made a public appeal to customers to resume traveling from Newark Liberty International Airport, promising that the airport will soon be “the most reliable New York City-area airport” and saying EWR had its “best summer in its history” while recognizing the airport isn’t “a perfect operation” yet, per Bloomberg. The airport had a rough first half of the year, spurred by delayed and late departures along with numerous safety concerns with air traffic control. Kirby pointed to operational improvements like upgraded aircraft interiors, along with infrastructure fixes in air traffic control and rebuilding confidence among flyers. He also credited federal investments, including funding for FAA technology and staffing, and support from governmental leaders for the improvements. While Kirby’s statement is meant to rebuild trust and emphasize safety, he must be careful not to be overly optimistic or make claims that won’t live up to his promises. Once a company leader proclaims it, it becomes the expectation.
Courtney Blackann is a communications reporter. Connect with her on LinkedIn or email her at courtneyb@ragan.com.
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