The Disney Boycott - the Next Step
- Jane Jerrard
- Sep 25
- 3 min read
NOTE: This blog is taken from We the People Dissent, posted on Substack on September 24. Follow them at https://thepeopledissent.substack.com/
Within hours of the decision to put the Jimmy Kimmel Live! on pause, word of a Disney boycott spread to millions. Not only did people cancel their subscriptions and vacations, but local groups organized protests on both coasts.
By Monday, not only had Disney stocks dipped, but the ACLU had penned a letter signed by 400+ celebrities and artists, calling on ABC to restore the show. Hours later, Disney and ABC announced Jimmy Kimmel would be returning Tuesday evening.
It was the people who made this happen. Through social media and organizers, millions of people took action. This boycott was successful because our mission was clear and our voices were loud. The people stood for free speech and won.
On our own, it can feel like we are powerless, yet together, we are stronger than the forces assaulting our democracy.
However, it’s not over.
First, Disney has not released an actual apology, accepted wrongdoing, or outlined what steps they will take to stand beside free speech moving forward. Here is their announcement:
“Last Wednesday, we made the decision to suspend production on the show to avoid further inflaming a tense situation at an emotional moment for our country. It is a decision we made because we felt some of the comments were ill-timed and thus insensitive. We have spent the last days having thoughtful conversations with Jimmy, and after those conversations, we reached the decision to return the show on Tuesday.”
Second, Sinclair and Nexstar will not be airing Jimmy Kimmel Live! on their stations.
So, what do we do?
CONTINUE TO BOYCOTT DISNEY
When we boycott, the bare minimum is not enough. Resorting Kimmel was step one. Companies must take accountability and demonstrate a shift in policy BEFORE they can begin the work of rebuilding public trust.
Instead of returning to Disney, we must send a clear message—we want a public admission of wrongdoing and clear communication on how Disney intends to build trust with the people.
💬 ONE - Flood their social media pages with comments. Leave messages like, “Good start, Disney. We demand an admission of and policy change.” I have listed a few to get started, but several shows also have pages as well:
Disney | Instagram • TikTok • Disney Studios TT • Disney World Threads • Disney Animation Threads • Disney Parks Threads • Disney Parks TT
✉️ TWO - Submit comments on their websites. Here are a few websites that can help you get started:
💵 THREE - Save those dollars or funnel them into independent journalism on this platform, your local PBS, or local libraries instead.
BOYCOTT SINCLAIR & NEXSTAR + THEIR ADVERTISERS
Sinclair and Nexstar are the two broadcast groups that pressured ABC and Disney to cancel Kimmel. According to the Friends Everywhere Network, “Behind the scenes, Nexstar and Sinclair Broadcast Group—owners of most local ABC affiliates—are chasing FCC approvals for mergers. The most lucrative and anti-monopoly deal would be Nexstar buying Tegna to control 83% of local affiliate channels in the country.”
They, along with others, are urging individuals to boycott the stations owned by these groups, as well as their advertisers.
Friends Everywhere has put together a website where groups can organize protests and individuals can learn how to boycott these broadcasters. Thanks to The 50501 Movement for sharing about this group on your socials. Their website offers tips and lists of advertisers.
Also, Jess Craven has a phone call script and additional information. Read the article.
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