When Truth Be Taboo

The Indian media can learn from Fimmy Kimmel’s return to US television after a brief suspension. It is proof that truth and satire can survive a scare in public life

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Kimmel and his comeback mocked those in power, defending free speech, harnessing outrage and creating a public reckoning in the US

immy Kimmels return to television last week was nothing short of a media spectacle,a triumph for free speech.

After a six-day suspension over his remarks on the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Kimmel premiered his comeback episode to 6.26 million broadcast viewers, the largest audience the show has seen in over a decade, despite the fact that a quarter of ABC afliliates refused to air it. His usual average had been 1.42 million, making this spike all the more dramatic. On digital platforms, his opening monologue racked up 26 million views, including 17 million on YouTube.

In his return speech, Kimmel cheekily addressed critics who had labelled him ‘talentless’ and predicted that his ratings would collapse, saying: “Those who called me talentless should look at the numbers now.” The audience erupted. Kimmel tone was defiant yet self-aware, mixing apology, humour and sharp criticism. The backlash from political quarters—FCC threats, affiliate boycotts and pressure from conservative voices—only amplified his reach. Instead of crushing him, they catalysed his comeback. This was journalism notas stenography, but as resistance. Kimmel and his comeback mocked those in power, defending free speech, harnessing outrage and creating a public reckoning in the US.

Indian Media is a Contrast

In India, the spectacle is different, one of surrender. Dominant media has become a cheerleader for authority, not a watchdog. It disperses praise for the loud, rich and well-connected. Those who have depth and knowledge, and those with moral clarity and independent thought, receive contempt or oblivion. Today, India’s ‘mainline’ media is often shorthand for corporate alignment, access journalism and outright propaganda; rarely exhibiting substance.