More than 100 former ABC News journalists are urging Disney CEO Bob Iger to take a stronger public stand in defense of press freedom as tensions with former President Donald Trump intensify.
The group sent a letter, obtained by CNN on Wednesday, commending Iger for bringing "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" back on the air after the late-night host was suspended.
But they stressed that reinstating the show should only be the beginning of a larger commitment to resisting political intimidation.
"It was the right call and an important statement that political intimidation should not dictate ABC's programming," the letter said. "Yet, it must be just the first step in a concerted effort to defend free speech and press freedom."
The signatories include well-known figures such as former anchor Sam Donaldson, former producer Tom Bettag, and journalist Judy Muller.
Also among them is Kayce Freed Jennings, widow of longtime "World News Tonight" anchor Peter Jennings.
The letter was organized by former correspondent Lisa Stark and former executive producer Ian Cameron, who told sources that Disney and other networks face enormous pressure but must not waver in protecting reporters.
More Than 100 Former ABC News Employees Call On Disney CEO Bob Iger To Make Clear Network “Will Not Be Silenced Or Intimidated By Political Pressure”https://t.co/pPCaKn6WMp
— Tara O'Grady (@TaraLOGrady) September 24, 2025
ABC's $16M Trump Settlement Sparks Fears of More Media Attacks
The letter specifically pointed to ABC's $16 million settlement with Trump in December, saying the move emboldened him to escalate his attacks on the media, Deadline reported.
"The First Amendment is not negotiable," it read. "ABC's credibility and Disney's reputation depend on unwavering leadership in its defense."
The pressure campaign comes as Trump has ramped up his threats against the network. Just before Kimmel returned to air Tuesday, Trump posted on Truth Social that ABC had made an "illegal campaign contribution."
The claim was dismissed by legal experts, who noted that news programming falls under well-established exemptions in campaign finance law.
Kimmel, during his return monologue, also took aim at Trump's tactics. "We have to speak out against this bully," he told viewers.
"He's not stopping. And it's not just comedy. He's gunning for our journalists, too. He's suing them, he's bullying them."
ABC News has continued to cover the issue aggressively. Over the weekend, "This Week" host Jon Karl led the program with a report on Trump's promises of "retribution."
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