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Inside Disney’s Decision to Suspend Jimmy Kimmel’s Show; New Owners Plot Comeback for Claire’s; Victoria’s Secret CEO Pushes ‘a New Era of Sexy’
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Good morning. Today, Jimmy Kimmel wanted to address the FCC Chairman’s criticism on the air; a key brand for tweens is about to get a glow-up; and Victoria’s Secret undoes some of its recent brand renovation.
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Jimmy Kimmel was set to meet with Disney executives on Thursday to discuss whether his show could return to the air. Illustration: Emil Lendof/WSJ; Getty Images
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Jimmy Kimmel planned to use Wednesday’s episode of his late-night show to tackle criticism by Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr, Joe Flint, Suzanne Vranica and Isabella Simonetti report in a look at how his preemption came about.
Carr had just suggested that the FCC might move against some ABC-owned stations’ broadcast licenses as a result of a Kimmel monologue related to Charlie Kirk’s assassination. Two big affiliate owners, one that needs the FCC’s signoff for a $6.2 billion acquisition, said they’d pull “Jimmy Kimmel Live” of their own accord.
Kimmel was going to say that his words were being purposefully twisted by some members of the MAGA movement, a person close to the show said.
Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Dana Walden thought that might make the situation worse. Executives also discussed the safety of the staff after threatening emails and doxxing posts were aimed their way.
Walden huddled with her team and Disney CEO Bob Iger before the two executives decided to temporarily take “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” off the air.
Click through to read more from the article, including:
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ABC’s scramble to satisfy advertisers who had paid for commercials in episodes that were canceled
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President Trump’s suggestion that his administration could revoke broadcast licenses from networks that are “against” him
Related: Kimmel supporters gathered outside Walt Disney Studios carrying messages including “ “Shame on ABC!” and “You Can’t Please Tyrants.” [THR]
Disney executives and Kimmel set a meeting Thursday to discuss whether his show can return. [Bloomberg]
Jimmy Fallon addressed the situation on “The Tonight Show,” saying he hopes Kimmel returns to the air and delivering some punchlines aimed at President Trump. [THR]
The late-night turmoil on broadcast TV looks like another accelerant in the shift toward streaming. [Adweek]
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Content from our sponsor: Deloitte
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As Regulatory Path Takes Shape, Crypto Growth Could Accelerate
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Regulatory collaboration may clear a path for spot crypto asset trading. Organizations can assess risks and opportunities in capital formation, product development, and technology readiness. Read More
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Tom Ripley and Lawrence Berger hope to revive the twice-bankrupt Claire’s chain. Photo: Jason Andrew for WSJ
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Private-equity firm Ames Watson has closed a $140 million deal to buy Claire’s, the mall staple where decades of tweens flocked for ear piercings and friendship necklaces, out of bankruptcy, Suzanne Kapner writes.
Now the turnaround attempt begins, starting with cleaning up stores, steaming the purple carpets—and letting people know.
Ames Watson said it plans to hire more staff, upgrade the jewelry and share “before” and “after” images on social media, so customers can see in real time how the stores are changing.
Claire’s downfall was a lack of fresh merchandise, rundown stores and virtually no marketing, according to Ames Watson co-founder Tom Ripley.
“It’s a troubled company,” he said, “not a troubled brand.”
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Victoria's Secret CEO Hillary Super. Photo: Andy Jackson for WSJ
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Victoria’s Secret is trying to find a middle ground between its old ultrasexy image, which fell out of step during the cultural upheaval of #MeToo, and its more recent focus on comfort and body positivity, where its momentum has stalled, Suzanne Kapner reports.
Hillary Super, installed as CEO last year to put some energy back in the brand, is retooling the fashion show and introducing new products that she says put a modern spin on sexy. A new underwire bra, for example, is encased in fabric to make it more comfortable.
Her predecessor’s strategy to tone down the sex appeal at Victoria’s Secret was a mistake, Super said. “Decisions were made out of fear,” she said, and the brand “got a bit watered down.”
Victoria’s Secret also followed its research by emphasizing comfort at lower prices in its advertising—another mistake, according to Super.
“Comfort and value are table stakes,” Super said. “What makes someone say, ‘I need to try that,’ is an emotional connection.”
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The WSJ CMO Council Summit
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This Nov. 18 and 19, CMOs will gather in New York for The WSJ CMO Summit to explore fan-fueled growth, AI in marketing and the evolving CMO–CEO partnership. Join the CMO Council and be part of the conversation shaping the future of marketing leadership.
Request Invitation
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“Jimmy loves every idea. He's like a big puppy. And I'm like, ‘No, that sucked.’ ”
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— Bozoma Saint John on Jimmy Fallon, host of the upcoming NBC marketing competition series “On Brand,” where Saint John will mentor creatives. Fallon, also host of “The Tonight Show,” pulled out of a panel with Saint John on Thursday “in light of current events,” as the moderator put it.
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Cracker Barrel expects diner counts to remain depressed this year. Photo: Watchara Phomicinda/Zuma Press
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Cracker Barrel’s persistent activist investor is back, pushing to shake up the country-themed restaurant’s board following its rebranding fiasco. [WSJ]
OpenAI is assembling a roster of marketing veterans on its staff to help build its brand. [Ad Age]
The Federal Trade Commission and seven states sued Ticketmaster and its parent company Live Nation, alleging the ticketing giant engaged in illegal ticket resale tactics that cost consumers billions of dollars. [WSJ]
The Pentagon is weighing a military recruitment drive linked to Charlie Kirk’s assassination, with possible slogans such as, “Charlie has awakened a generation of warriors.” [NBC News]
The latest Gen Alpha brand is Yes Day, a skin-care line from the cosmetic chemist behind Hailey Bieber’s Rhode, 13-year-old Coco Granderson and her mother. [Glossy]
MrBeast updated the policies on his YouTube channel after an ad-industry self-regulatory group found he collected children’s data without parents’ permission, didn’t mark advertorial content and made misleading product claims. [Adweek]
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