David Letterman Addresses Growing Threats to Late-Night Television Hosts

The podcast examines Jimmy Kimmel's show suspension following controversial remarks and FCC pressure. David Letterman, a veteran late-night television host, discussed the situation with Jeffrey Goldberg at The Atlantic Festival. Letterman expressed profound concerns about increasing authoritarianism in media and government.

Throughout his three-decade career, he consistently made political jokes across multiple administrations without facing governmental interference. However, he believes the current situation represents a fundamental shift.

The conversation focused on recent government actions against comedians like Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert, which Letterman considers alarming signs of media suppression. He particularly criticized FCC Chair Brendan Carr's threatening rhetoric, comparing it to mob-like tactics.

They explored broader implications for free speech and democratic institutions, questioning why Americans seem insufficiently concerned about growing governmental pressure on media and entertainment.