By Mark Mwachiro
Copyright adweek
Top of the Ticker: Jimmy Kimmel’s brief suspension from ABC prompted former ABC News journalists to pen a letter to Disney’s Bob Iger, expressing their concerns about the company’s protection of freedom of speech. The letter, obtained by CNN, was written by over 100 former journalists, including Sam Donaldson, Judy Muller, Ian Stark, and Tom Bettag, who urged Iger to make a “concerted effort to defend free speech and press freedom against political intimidation.”
The letter went on to say, “The First Amendment is not negotiable,” adding, “ABC’s credibility and Disney’s reputation depend on unwavering leadership in its defense. At this critical moment, you have the chance to set a powerful example by standing up for the principles that define both our democracy and The Walt Disney Company.”
Best Sellers: Fox News Books is proving to be a successful venture for Fox News Media as authors published by the imprint become national bestsellers. According to The New York Times, 16 books have been published by Fox News Books so far, including Trey Gowdy’s The Color of Death, which debuted in second place on the Times’ bestseller list.
Recent Hires: MSNBC continues to build out its Washington, D.C. newsroom, naming Rachel Van Dongen managing editor for news and Zack Stanton deputy managing editor for news. Van Dongen was most recently with The Washington Post, where she was a Congress editor, and Stanton was an editor for Politico Playbook. Meanwhile, CNN announced Haven Orecchio-Egresitz is joining the network as a supervising editor for Justice. Previously with Business Insider, Orecchio-Egresitz will be responsible for CNN’s daily and enterprise reporting across the Justice beat with a focus on federal law enforcement and the Department of Justice.
In Memoriam: Longtime CBS News correspondent Rita Braver has lost her husband, Robert B. Barnett. No cause of death was revealed, but Barnett, 79, was a prominent attorney known for his dealmaking prowess, working with journalists, politicians, and corporations. “He will be deeply missed by the Fox News Media family and the many anchors and correspondents he represented,” said Fox News Media CEO Suzanne Scott.
Bob Barnett was a brilliant attorney and trusted counselor, and he was generous with his wisdom and kindness. He guided so many with integrity and left a mark that will endure. His loss is deeply felt. https://t.co/IPEusDAIiF — Geoff Bennett (@GeoffRBennett) September 26, 2025
Terrible news. Bob negotiated every deal I’ve signed with CNBC and was such a pleasure to work with. He was a trusted advisor, capable of delivering tough talk to *both* sides of a negotiation. And he still found time to send a kind note on your birthday. https://t.co/kjHkhm8ZPq — Eamon Javers (@EamonJavers) September 26, 2025
Terrible news. Bob negotiated every deal I’ve signed with CNBC and was such a pleasure to work with. He was a trusted advisor, capable of delivering tough talk to *both* sides of a negotiation. And he still found time to send a kind note on your birthday. https://t.co/kjHkhm8ZPq — Eamon Javers (@EamonJavers) September 26, 2025
