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Comedian Jimmy Kimmel recently called on advertisers to support the CBS news program ’60 Minutes,’ a show currently navigating internal challenges. His appeal came during an industry event held in New York City.
At the Upfronts, an event that showcases upcoming television programming, Kimmel concluded his monologue by urging advertisers to extend their support not only to ABC, the network owned by Disney, but also to the competing CBS program. He emphasized the importance of journalism in today’s media landscape.
In his own words, Kimmel stated, “I know it’s not part of our multi-platform, but support ‘60 Minutes’ — they deserve it. You have the power, because you have the money. Support journalism. It’s important, and it doesn’t work without you.” This strong endorsement emphasizes the critical role advertisers play in sustaining quality news programming.
The plea from Kimmel comes at a time when ’60 Minutes’ is facing scrutiny, particularly as it is involved in a high-profile legal battle with former President Donald Trump. Trump is seeking $20 billion in damages, claiming that CBS edited an interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris in a manner that constitutes election interference ahead of the upcoming 2024 presidential election.
As the lawsuit unfolds, both parties have agreed to enter mediation. This legal skirmish takes place against a backdrop of a potential multibillion-dollar merger between Paramount Global and Skydance Media, adding further complexity to the situation.
Trump has consistently criticized CBS and ’60 Minutes’, especially following the program’s receipt of an Emmy Award for the controversial interview that is central to his lawsuit. Critics of Trump have voiced concerns over the implications of the lawsuit for the First Amendment and fears of government overreach.
Prominent figures like Senator Bernie Sanders and other Democratic senators have encouraged CBS’s parent company, Paramount, to resist settling the case, urging it to avoid granting Trump any form of legal victory.
During his performance, Kimmel did not shy away from addressing the broader trends affecting television viewership. He humorously pointed out the decline of traditional TV as younger generations, particularly Gen Z and millennials, are increasingly drawn to social media and other entertainment platforms.
Citing a recent survey from Deloitte, Kimmel quipped, “Deloitte just did a survey that showed that Gen Z and millennial viewers are spending more time on social media than watching television. Yeah, no s—. You think we needed a survey to know that? F— you, Deloitte!” His remarks resonated with many in the audience, reflecting a shared understanding of evolving viewing habits.
He added with a cheeky sense of humor, “Oh, you’re too cool for ‘Match Game’? Well guess what? When you have kids and you need that hit of ‘Moana’ to keep the little b——s quiet for two hours? You’ll come crawling back to Disney like dogs.” Kimmel’s playful commentary highlights the enduring appeal of classic family programming, even in an age dominated by streaming services.
This kind of humor, combined with the seriousness of Kimmel’s advocacy for journalism, reflects a dual narrative that encapsulates the current media environment. As advertising landscapes shift and the demand for quality journalism remains, figures like Kimmel are stepping up to remind stakeholders of their responsibilities.
Looking ahead, the fate of ’60 Minutes’ and its ability to continue delivering impactful journalism largely depends on the support it receives from advertisers and the broader public. In a time when media trust is at a premium, supporting established news programs may ultimately serve the interests of informed democracy.
As industry dynamics continue to evolve, the conversations sparked by Kimmel’s monologue serve as a poignant reminder of the interplay between advertising, journalism, and audience engagement.
In summary, Kimmel’s call to action reflects an urgent need for collaborative support for critical journalism amid turbulent times. The challenges faced by ’60 Minutes’ also shed light on broader issues impacting the television landscape as generational shifts in viewership behavior continue to reshape how news is consumed.
This report includes contributions from various media sources.
