Media News Daily: Top Stories for 09/25/2025

Jimmy Kimmel’s Return Draws 6.2 Million Viewers Amid Affiliate Blackout

Jimmy Kimmel returned to late-night television with 6.2 million viewers tuning in, following a six-day suspension by Disney due to controversial remarks about conservative figure Charlie Kirk. Despite being unavailable on about 25% of ABC affiliates — including those controlled by Nexstar and Sinclair — the show significantly outperformed its usual 1 million average. Nexstar has stated it is still evaluating the show’s status, while YouTube views of Kimmel’s return monologue surpassed 17 million within a day. The surge in interest may influence affiliate decisions going forward. Read More (Axios Rating)

YouTube to Reinstate Banned Creators in Shift on COVID and Election Misinformation Policies

Alphabet announced YouTube will reinstate creators previously banned for repeated violations of its now-revised policies on COVID-19 misinformation and election integrity. The decision, outlined in a letter to Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), affects figures like Steve Bannon and Sebastian Gorka. YouTube cited a new emphasis on free expression and acknowledged past pressures from the Biden administration to remove user-generated content that technically didn’t violate platform rules. Going forward, the platform will implement context-based tools similar to those used by X (formerly Twitter), moving away from traditional fact-checking. Read More (The Hill Rating)

Wall Street Journal Seeks Dismissal of Trump Lawsuit Over Epstein Letter Report

The Wall Street Journal has moved to dismiss a defamation lawsuit filed by Donald Trump regarding its July story linking him to Jeffrey Epstein via a 2003 birthday letter. The WSJ argues the story is accurate, non-defamatory, and protected under the First Amendment. The motion emphasizes that the lawsuit could set a dangerous precedent against press freedom. Trump has denied the authenticity of the letter, though others, including Fox News commentators, suggest it’s plausible. The Journal also pointed out Trump’s own previous public comments about Epstein. Read More (Washington Examiner Rating)