Former Disney Leader Condemns FCC's Aggressive Stance

Michael Eisner, who helmed Disney for over two decades and orchestrated its acquisition of ABC in 1995, has voiced criticism over the decision of his successor, Bob Iger. He believes that pausing Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely, in reaction to threats from Brendan Carr, a Trump-nominated FCC chairman, was a misstep.

Leadership Controversy

In a post on X regarding the Jimmy Kimmel Live! issue, Eisner—who once chose to withhold the release of Martin Scorsese's Kundun due to Chinese governmental pressure—questioned, 'Where is the leadership today?'

Though Eisner refrained from explicitly naming Iger or Disney's television chief Dana Walden, he did label the threats from the FCC as 'hollow'. He argued that this represented yet another instance of unchecked intimidation.

Broader Implications

Eisner's comments reflect a broader concern that corporate leaders are not adequately opposing intimidation tactics attributed to the Trump Administration. His remarks suggest he believes there is a worrying trend of corporate compliance under political pressure.