"TV Hosts Rally Behind Kimmel in Free Speech Firestorm Against ABC"

US TV Hosts Unite Behind Jimmy Kimmel in Free Speech Battle Against ABC In a bold display of solidarity, US TV hosts rallied behind suspended comedian Jimmy Kimmel, using their platforms to lampoon President Donald Trump and defend free speech. The move comes after Trump threatened to revoke network licenses for perceived negativity towards him, sparking concerns about censorship and the erosion of press freedom. According to BBC World, late-night talk show hosts like Stephen Colbert, Seth Meyers, and Jon Stewart used their airtime to push back against what they see as an attack on free expression. In a satirical sketch, Jon Stewart appeared to be forced to praise Trump, while Jimmy Fallon tackled the issue with a humorous take on the president's ego. The controversy began when Kimmel was suspended by ABC in a row over comments he made about the killing of Charlie Kirk, a conservative commentator. Trump had threatened to revoke network licenses for perceived negativity towards him, sparking concerns about censorship and the erosion of press freedom. In response, US TV hosts rallied behind Kimmel, with Stephen Colbert declaring it "a blatant assault on freedom of speech" and saying "we are all Jimmy Kimmel". Seth Meyers declared it was "a privilege and honour to call Jimmy Kimmel my friend", while other hosts used their airtime to defend free speech. According to BBC World, the move is seen as a bold display of solidarity among US TV hosts. "This is not just about Jimmy Kimmel," said Stephen Colbert in an interview with BBC World. "It's about the freedom of the press and the ability of comedians to comment on current events without fear of retribution." The controversy has sparked concerns about censorship and the erosion of press freedom. According to experts, Trump's threat to revoke network licenses is a worrying development for free speech in the US. "This is a clear attempt by the president to intimidate media outlets into self-censorship," said one expert, who wished to remain anonymous. "If successful, this could have far-reaching consequences for press freedom and the ability of comedians to comment on current events." The current status of Kimmel's suspension remains unclear, but US TV hosts continue to rally behind him in support of free speech. In a statement, ABC said it was "reviewing" its decision to suspend Kimmel. The network did not comment further on the matter. As the controversy continues to unfold, one thing is clear: US TV hosts are standing united in their defense of free speech and their commitment to commenting on current events without fear of retribution. Background information: According to BBC World, Trump's threat to revoke network licenses has sparked concerns about censorship and the erosion of press freedom. This is not the first time Trump has clashed with media outlets over perceived negativity towards him. In the past, he has accused news organizations of being "fake news" and threatened to revoke their credentials. Relevant quotes: Stephen Colbert: "This is a blatant assault on freedom of speech... We are all Jimmy Kimmel." Seth Meyers: "It's a privilege and honour to call Jimmy Kimmel my friend." Jon Stewart: (in satirical sketch) "I'm forced to praise Trump, but I don't have to like him." Next steps: The controversy is ongoing, with US TV hosts continuing to rally behind Kimmel in support of free speech. The current status of Kimmel's suspension remains unclear, and it is unclear what the next steps will be for ABC or the network licenses threatened by Trump. Sources: BBC World: "US TV Hosts Unite Behind Jimmy Kimmel in Free Speech Battle Against ABC" BBC World: "US TV hosts back Kimmel as Trump threatens networks" This story was compiled from reports by BBC World and BBC World.