The German Journalists Association (DJV) on Wednesday called on US President Donald Trump to halt what it described as his "campaign against free and independent press," as the temporary suspension of US comedian Jimmy Kimmel continues to cause a stir, reported dpa.
US late-night host Kimmel returned to ABC on Tuesday with an appeal for free speech after the broadcaster briefly suspended his show over controversial comments on the death of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk.
Trump slammed ABC for bringing back Kimmel and hinted at possible legal action against the network.
"I can't believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back," he wrote on his Truth Social platform late on Tuesday.
"I think we're going to test ABC out on this," Trump said. He added that the last time he sued the network, it had paid him millions of dollars, and suggested the current situation looked like it could be even more lucrative.
DJV chair Mika Beuster said the case made "clear" what Trump's strategy was.
"Media companies are to be brought to their knees with horrendous financial demands, thereby eliminating critical contributions from programmes and newspapers," Beuster said in a statement.
The international outcry and protest that was triggered by Kimmel's suspension showed that American civil society wants freedom of expression rather than "president-friendly reporting," he added.
Beuster said it was important that journalists resist the pressure exerted by the Trump administration.
"It is high time that the US government restored freedom of the press."
- German journalists
- Slam Trump
Source: www.dailyfinland.fi
