Free speech debate erupts on CNN after suspension of Jimmy Kimmel

CNN anchor Abby Phillip pressed conservative pundit Scott Jennings on the issue of free speech during a heated debate on Wednesday.

The panel on CNN’s “NewsNight with Abby Phillip” debated ABC’s decision to pull late-night host Jimmy Kimmel from the air following comments he made about the killing of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. ABC’s decision came hours after FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, an appointee of President Donald Trump , threatened the network over Kimmel’s comments.

Jeff Jarvis, a professor of journalism, argued that Kimmel’s suspension shows how the Trump administration is trying to “intimidate” the media, pointing to the president’s $15 billion lawsuit against The New York Times.

“This is the power of the government brought down on speech, on the press,” Jarvis sa