Jon Stewart Blasts ABC as “A F‑ing Joke” After Veteran Terry Moran Is Fired

WASHINGTON, D.C. – June 13, 2025 – Comedian-turned-commentator Jon Stewart launched a blistering critique of ABC News during his podcast The Weekly Show. He labeled the network “a f‑ing joke” after it fired veteran correspondent Terry Moran—reportedly under pressure from political circles—because Moran had publicly criticized former White House aide Stephen Miller.

Stewart accused ABC of playing a dangerous game: projecting impartiality while capitulating to political influence. For him, the firing was more than hypocrisy—it was a surrender rooted in fear.

Veteran Silenced After Speaking Out

Terry Moran, a respected figure with nearly three decades at ABC, had posted a blunt social media statement calling Stephen Miller “a world‑class hater” with a “richly endowed capacity for hatred.” ABC suspended Moran immediately, citing a breach of objectivity policy, and ultimately let his contract expire shortly thereafter.

Stewart found the reaction absurd given Moran’s decades of respected journalism and argued that his comments fell squarely within the bounds of honest commentary. Stewart’s fiery response:

“They shouldn’t have fired him… It’s a joke. They’re a f‑ing joke.”

Past Capitulations Exposed

Stewart framed this event not as an isolated incident, but a pattern of ABC yielding to external pressures. He recalled ABC’s earlier settlement of $15 million after a defamation lawsuit tied to inaccurate reporting by anchor George Stephanopoulos—seen by Stewart as another instance of the network caving to influence rather than standing by journalistic rigor.

He stressed the stark contrast to cable outlets like Fox News, where partisan rhetoric flies daily without discipline:

“Every day on Fox News, they’re saying vicious things … and ABC clings to this facade that they somehow exist in a bubble. It’s a joke.”

A Test for Media Integrity

Stewart underscored what Moran’s fate signals to the journalism community:

Self-censorship: Veteran journalists may hesitate to speak truthfully if consequences are harsh.

Erosion of public trust: Viewers grow skeptical when media organizations shy away from accountability.

Pressure on principles: Moran’s dismissal warns that criticizing political power—even with truth—can lead to repercussions.

To Stewart, ABC’s action shifts them from watchdog to kneecapper.

Moran Moves On—Independence Awaits

Following his dismissal, Moran reactivated his Substack newsletter, promising a return with fearless, independent journalism. His declaration signals a shift away from the corporate constraints he deemed stifling, showing that disruption can blossom from silencing.

Backlash Sparks Industry Introspection

Reaction to Stewart’s condemnation was swift and strong across social platforms and media circles. Colleagues defended Moran’s freedom of expression, labeling his dismissal “a censorship move” that undermines news credibility.

Critics also called out the irony: ABC, long a symbol of media integrity, now seen bending to public relations pressure.

Final Verdict: Stewart’s Hard-Hitting Truth

For Stewart, this incident isn’t just another viral moment—it’s a turning point. His parting words hammered his point home:

“There’s no level of fealty that is enough… You fire one guy, another comes down—there’s no bottom.”

In an age of media trust crises, Stewart reminded viewers and media leaders that when journalism fears speaking out, it loses its soul.

Why This Story Matters

This incident strikes at the heart of what journalism is meant to be: a watchdog fearless of truth. By firing a seasoned correspondent for speaking out, a major network signaled that maintaining comfort may now outweigh holding power accountable. It sends a powerful message to journalists everywhere: honest, critical reporting could come at a great personal cost.

At the same time, Terry Moran’s decision to continue independently shows a growing trend—journalists reclaiming agency outside large media institutions. His move highlights an evolving media landscape where credibility and courage increasingly come from those willing to speak freely, even outside traditional press structures.

Most importantly, Stewart’s critique taps into the public’s growing distrust of mainstream media. If major news organizations prioritize self-preservation over transparency, audiences may begin to look elsewhere for trustworthy information. Stewart’s words serve as both a wake-up call to industry leaders and a rallying cry for the audience: journalism must choose integrity over convenience, or risk losing its legitimacy.

Conclusion: A Call to Media Courage

Jon Stewart’s passionate takedown of ABC goes beyond one man’s firing—it questions the future of journalism itself. Will networks prioritize doctrine and access over fearless truth-telling? Or will voices like Stewart’s and Moran’s inspire a renewed commitment to independent, public-interest reporting?

BBC and independent outlets are watching. For now, Stewart’s words linger as a reminder: journalism mustn’t trade its conscience for comfort—or it ceases to serve the public it was meant to inform.