Howard Stern cancels Disney+ subscription due to ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel suspension

Popular radio host, Howard Stern, recently announced on his SiriusXM show that he is cutting ties with Disney+ due to ABC’s decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel Live!. Stern expressed his support for his friend Jimmy Kimmel and criticized what he sees as interference from the government in network programming choices. ABC, the network where Kimmel’s show airs, is a subsidiary of Disney.

During his broadcast, Stern highlighted the seriousness of the situation, stating, “I don’t know what their plan is… but when the government begins to interfere, when they orchestrate a way to silence you, it’s the wrong direction for our country.”

Given his own past experiences with censorship, Stern empathized with Kimmel’s situation and felt compelled to take a stand against what he perceives as unwarranted control over media content. By canceling his Disney+ subscription, Stern hopes to send a message that he does not support ABC’s actions regarding Jimmy Kimmel.

The suspension of Kimmel has also drawn criticism from other notable entertainment personalities. Stephen Colbert condemned ABC’s move as “blatant censorship” motivated by a desire to appease President Donald Trump. Jimmy Fallon expressed worries about the rise of censorship in late-night TV and emphasized his commitment to continuing with political humor. Similarly, John Oliver criticized Disney and ABC for giving in to pressure, suggesting that standing up to such actions is crucial.

In solidarity with Kimmel and in protest against perceived censorship, Stern is among a growing number of well-known figures, such as Cynthia Nixon and Noah Centineo, who have chosen to cancel their Disney+ subscriptions. The incident has sparked discussions about media autonomy, political influences, and the preservation of freedom of expression within the entertainment industry.