Loreen Arbus, a prominent disability rights advocate, philanthropist, and president of The Loreen Arbus Foundation, has shared her perspective on the recent suspension and subsequent return of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. Drawing from her extensive experience in media leadership and her family’s deep-rooted legacy in American broadcasting, Arbus reflects on the broader implications of the situation for the media industry and public trust.
As the daughter of Leonard H. Goldenson, the visionary founder and longtime president of ABC, Arbus brings a unique and authoritative viewpoint. She expresses strong admiration for Kimmel, stating that her father would have been proud of his resilience and role in today’s media landscape. Her perspective is shaped not only by her family heritage but also by her own groundbreaking career as the first woman to lead programming at two major U.S. networks, Showtime and Lifetime.
Arbus emphasizes the enduring importance of the First Amendment, particularly its protection of freedom of the press. She highlights how her father viewed broadcasting as a public trust—one that demanded integrity, transparency, and a commitment to serving the public interest rather than advancing personal or political agendas. She recalls a defining moment during the McCarthy era when ABC, under her father’s leadership, chose to air the Army-McCarthy hearings in their entirety.
Despite the financial burden, this decision ensured that Americans could witness the proceedings firsthand and form their own opinions during a time of national tension and political fear. Maintaining impartiality was a core value for Leonard Goldenson, who deliberately kept his political affiliations private, even from his own family, to prevent any perception of bias.
His dedication to independence extended to resisting external pressures, including multiple hostile takeover attempts. One notable instance involved Howard Hughes, whose intentions to control the network from behind the scenes were firmly rejected. Goldenson believed that such lack of transparency would undermine the credibility and responsibility of a broadcast institution.
According to Arbus, these principles are more relevant today than ever. She warns that society is currently facing a significant erosion of trust in media and public institutions. This decline, she argues, is driven by increasing partisanship, widespread misinformation, and a lack of accountability in an increasingly fragmented information environment.
Arbus calls on media organizations, corporate entities, and individuals alike to recommit to the foundational ideals that underpin American democracy. She urges a collective effort to move beyond ideological divisions and focus instead on truth, accountability, and transparency.
Ultimately, Arbus underscores that rebuilding public trust is essential for the health of democracy. A free and independent press, she argues, is not merely a pillar of democratic society but its very cornerstone. Safeguarding this institution requires vigilance, ethical responsibility, and a shared commitment to the principles that have long defined American values.