David Letterman Condemns Disney and CBS Over Kimmel Suspension and Weiss Hire

A Critical Look at Late Night Television and Media Ownership

David Letterman, a towering figure in the world of network television, recently shared his thoughts on the state of late night programming and the challenges facing broadcast journalism. His comments came during an appearance on a video podcast posted to his YouTube channel, where he expressed concerns about the current landscape of media and the influence of corporate ownership.

Letterman was joined by Barbara Gaines, the former executive producer of The Late Show with David Letterman, on The Barbara Gaines Show. During the episode, he delivered one of his most pointed critiques yet, addressing both the decline of editorial courage in news networks and the growing influence of corporate interests in shaping media content.

Corporate Media and the Erosion of Editorial Independence

Letterman's remarks highlighted a broader issue: the impact of corporate media ownership on journalistic integrity. He criticized the way large corporations, such as Disney, have taken control of major networks and how this has led to a reluctance to challenge powerful figures or political entities. This concern is particularly relevant in today's climate, where late night hosts are often caught in the crosshairs of political controversy.

Jimmy Kimmel, host of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, has become a central figure in this debate. Letterman praised Kimmel for his bold approach, noting that he has managed to hold powerful individuals accountable while navigating the complexities of corporate media. "Jimmy Kimmel single-handedly brought the people at Disney and all of those other network television owners to their knees," Letterman said, emphasizing Kimmel's role in exposing the contradictions within the industry.

Letterman also addressed the perception that late night comedy has become increasingly partisan. He argued that Kimmel's criticisms are not driven by political affiliation but by the actions of those in power. "If we had a Democratic president behaving the way this Republican president is behaving, Jimmy would be attacking the Democratic president just as much," he stated.

The Struggle for Independent Voices

As the media landscape continues to evolve, Letterman warned that there are fewer platforms willing to tolerate dissenting voices. He cited several late night hosts, including Seth Meyers and Stephen Colbert, as part of a shrinking group of voices that are willing to challenge the status quo. "We're running out of places where you hear these voices," he said, underscoring the importance of maintaining diverse perspectives in the media.

CBS News received some of the harshest criticism from Letterman. He contrasted the network's historical legacy—marked by the bravery of figures like Edward R. Murrow—with its current leadership. "That mentality drove the integrity of CBS News," he said, before criticizing the current management for what he described as a lack of journalistic courage.

Controversies at CBS

The situation at CBS has been further complicated by recent changes in leadership. Last year, Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison appointed Bari Weiss, founder of The Free Press and a political commentator, as editor-in-chief of the newsroom. This move has sparked internal dissent and public debate, as Weiss has been accused of favoring the Trump administration and its agenda.

One notable example involved a segment on the conditions in El Salvador prisons, where U.S. migrants were sent. Weiss reportedly refused to air the segment without comment from the administration, effectively giving them the power to block any politically sensitive story. This incident has raised concerns about the independence of CBS News and its commitment to unbiased reporting.

Looking Ahead to 2026

In closing his discussion, Letterman reflected on the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. He expressed little hope that these elections will bring meaningful change to the media landscape. "It really is hurting my feelings, because I'm sick and tired of people saying, ‘Oh, wait until those midterms,'" he said. "Kids? We're far downstream of the midterms having any effect on this."

Conclusion

Letterman's comments serve as a reminder of the ongoing challenges facing the media industry. As corporate interests continue to shape the direction of news and entertainment, the need for independent voices and editorial courage becomes more critical than ever. The future of late night television and broadcast journalism may depend on the ability of these voices to challenge the powers that be and maintain the integrity of their craft.