"Be Quiet, Pig": Jimmy Kimmel Live! Wins 'Broadcasting Pulitzer' After Sharp Satire of Trump

Winner of Peabody Award in Entertainment Category
Broadcast Suspended Amidst Sharp Criticism of Trump

The talk show "Jimmy Kimmel Live!", known for its sharp criticism of U.S. President Donald Trump, has been awarded the Peabody Award, which is often regarded as the Pulitzer Prize of the broadcast industry.

Jimmy Kimmel is on stage giving a speech as a presenter at the 98th Academy Awards held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California. Photo by EPA News

On April 24 (local time), U.S. entertainment media outlet Variety and others reported that the Peabody Awards jury selected the late-night talk show "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" hosted by comedian Jimmy Kimmel on ABC as the winner of the 86th Peabody Awards in the Entertainment category. The Peabody Awards recognize public service contributions by broadcast media. Established in 1939, it is one of the oldest and most prestigious honors in the U.S. broadcasting industry.

The Peabody Awards committee noted, "This season, the show experienced an unprecedented event in American TV history, with its broadcast indefinitely suspended due to pressure from the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC, the U.S. broadcasting and communications regulator). Kimmel has been a consistent critic of President Trump and is known for his biting satire."

"Jimmy Kimmel Live!" was ABC's flagship program since its launch in 2003. However, last September, Kimmel upset President Trump when he commented on the assassination of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, saying, "The MAGA (Make America Great Again, President Trump’s political slogan) crowd is desperately trying to frame the person who killed Charlie Kirk as someone other than one of their own, doing everything possible to gain political advantage." Following this, FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr threatened that ABC’s broadcast license could be revoked if it aired content similar to Kimmel’s remarks. ABC announced the suspension of the show, and President Trump mocked the host, saying, "(Kimmel) was fired. He had no talent and no ratings." However, as the controversy over freedom of expression protected by the U.S. Constitution intensified, the show resumed after a week.

U.S. President Donald Trump is verbally abusing a female reporter on Air Force One by saying, "Be quiet, pig." Photo by AFP and Yonhap News

Meanwhile, last November, President Trump wrote on social media, "Why does ABC Fake News keep Jimmy Kimmel, a person with no talent and very low ratings, on air? Get the bum off the air." This came shortly after Kimmel mentioned allegations related to the Epstein files involving Trump.

In response, Kimmel remarked, "Thank you for watching on TV instead of YouTube. Ironically, the reason our program is still on the air is because of viewers like you," adding, "Mr. President, I have a feeling you’re watching tonight as well, so how about this: I’ll leave when you leave. To use your own words, until then, be quiet, pig." This was a jab at President Trump, referencing an earlier incident when, aboard Air Force One, Trump interrupted a female reporter asking about the pending release of the 'Epstein files' by saying, "Be quiet. Be quiet, pig."

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