Kimmel Rips ABC to Shreds

Slams own network at advertiser presentation
By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff
Posted May 20, 2009 9:44 AM CDT
Kimmel Rips ABC to Shreds
Jimmy Kimmel hosts the American Music Awards in Los Angeles, Nov. 23, 2008.   (AP Photo)

Jimmy Kimmel took the stage yesterday at a network presentation for advertisers, and promptly bit the hands that feed him—ripping into ABC, its advertisers, and even Jay Leno, writes Dave Itzkoff in the New York Times reports. “All of ABC’s late-night comedy talent is assembled here on one stage,” he said after stepping on. Then: “Let's get real here. Let’s get Dr. Phil-real here. These new fall shows? We’re going to cancel about 90% of them. Maybe more.”

He told advertisers they needed “therapy” for coming back to ABC every year. “We completely lie to you, and then you pass those lies onto your clients.” NBC’s decision to show Leno earlier is “giving Jay’s viewers exactly what they want. An early-bird special.” Finally, he told the audience, “the important thing to remember is: who cares, it’s not your money.” (More Jimmy Kimmel stories.)

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