Becker Business Podcast – Episode Summary
Episode: The One Big Beautiful Jimmy Kimmel Survey, 9-23-25
Host: Scott Becker
Date: September 23, 2025
Episode Overview
In this episode, Scott Becker dives into the results of what he humorously calls "The One Big Beautiful Jimmy Kimmel Survey." The survey was conducted to gauge public opinion around Jimmy Kimmel’s status with ABC Disney amid recent controversy and discussions of his reinstatement. Becker candidly discusses the survey's results, the factors at play, and layers in his personal observations about the broader business and social climate—particularly regarding media, regulation, and the right to free expression.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Survey Purpose and Context
- Jimmy Kimmel’s reinstatement by ABC Disney sparked conversation, prompting Becker to create an online survey for his audience.
- The survey was intentionally informal. Becker clearly states its limitations:
"It is the least scientific survey. You know, for me to pretend that this is real analysis would be really a joke. This is not George Gallup. We're not the Gallup poll." — Scott Becker [00:23]
- The survey garnered around 1,200–1,300 votes, showing notable engagement given the context.
2. Breakdown of Survey Results
- Four answer choices were provided:
- The FCC should stay out of this – 33%
- Disney should fire him – 14%
- Disney should keep him – 14%
- He isn't funny – 39%
- Interpretation:
- Becker notes that survey responses mirrored polarized American political sentiments.
- There was a fairly even split between larger camps: the freedom-of-speech/leave-it-alone group and those critical of Kimmel (either by wanting him fired or labeling him unfunny).
- Commentary on Choices:
"So, again, I don't think people really cared very much whether they kept him or fired him is my sense... But the bigger positions we got were the FCC should stay out of this, 33%. And the fourth category, which is one I actually fall into... that he isn't funny." — Scott Becker [01:18]
3. Becker’s Personal Perspective
- Becker is clear about his own stance:
- He believes the FCC should not be involved in the decision (“stay out of this”).
- He also acknowledges Disney, as a private business, has the right to retain or terminate Kimmel at their discretion.
- Becker expresses his fatigue with Kimmel’s comedy:
"I just find him grating as heck. Over the last decade or so, I don't remember the last time I found him actually funny." — Scott Becker [01:55]
- Emphasis on media responsibility:
"...these journalists, commentators, comedians should work harder. Just try and be somewhat truthful and not just one political side or the other." — Scott Becker [02:30]
4. Reflection on Media, Business, and Regulation
- The episode touches on ongoing debates over the intersection of media, business independence, and regulatory restraint.
- Becker reiterates his belief in letting private businesses make their own decisions, without excessive outside interference.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- "It is the least scientific survey... This is not George Gallup. We're not the Gallup poll. This is a survey that's done on Axe. And it's great fun, but it's stupid." — Scott Becker [00:23]
- "About 50% of the people ultimately said that either Disney should keep Kimmel or the DFCC should stay out of this. And about 55% said they should fire him or he's not funny." — Scott Becker [00:54]
- "The only thing I care about is the FCC should stay out of this and their private business has the right to fire somebody if they want to fire them." — Scott Becker [02:17]
- "...just try and be somewhat truthful and not just one political side or the other." — Scott Becker [02:30]
Timestamps for Important Segments
- 00:00 – Introduction to the episode and survey background
- 00:23 – Emphasizing the unscientific and humorous nature of the survey
- 00:54 – Overview of the survey's voter breakdown and interpretation
- 01:18 – Detailed percentages for each survey answer
- 01:55 – Becker’s personal take on Kimmel’s comedic style
- 02:17 – Reflections on business rights and FCC involvement
- 02:30 – Commentary on responsibility in journalism and comedy
Summary & Takeaways
- The survey results reflect a divided but not deeply invested audience; most just want regulatory bodies to stay out of such pop-culture matters, while a significant portion simply find Kimmel unfunny.
- Becker remains a strong proponent of business autonomy, media responsibility, and skepticism of knee-jerk regulatory involvement.
- The episode, marked by Becker's trademark candor and humor, offers both insight and comic relief regarding public sentiment and ongoing debates in the media world.