JAWS Joins Press Groups to Commend ABC for Defending ‘The View’, Kimmel

MAY 19, 2026: Journalism & Women Symposium (JAWS) joined a coalition of 14 other press groups to sign an open letter in solidarity with ABC, which recently took a stand against Federal Communications Commission efforts to chill protected free speech.

The letter was sent to Disney Entertainment Television Chairman Debra O’Connell and commends ABC for defending “The View” and “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”

“When Donald Trump’s feelings are hurt, his administration abuses its power to attack media outlets. Corporate owners only invite more bullying when they capitulate. But history shows that fighting back is a winning formula,” Adam Rose, deputy director of advocacy for Freedom of the Press Foundation (FPF) said in a statement. “We salute ABC for taking a stand on behalf of ‘The View’ and hope it remains as vigorous against the FCC’s so-called DEI investigation, which is all but nakedly about Jimmy Kimmel. Audiences, our organizations, and anyone who cares about free speech will stand with organizations that do the right thing.”

You can read the letter here.

Full list of signatories:

• Coalition For Women In Journalism (CFWIJ)

• Common Cause Freedom of the Press Foundation

• Free Press International

• Documentary Association

• Journalism & Women Symposium (JAWS)

• The Media and Democracy Project

• The National Press Club

• National Press Club Journalism Institute

• PEN America

• Radio Television Digital News Association

• Reporters Without Borders (RSF)

• Society of Environmental Journalists

• Society of Professional Journalists