For the most part, it was Democrats who hammered Carr on his Kimmel comments, but Cruz reiterated his critique at the start of the hearing. He also, however, accused his Democratic colleagues of hypocrisy over their silence over alleged jawboning during the Biden administration. Cruz called on his Democratic peers to join him in passing reforms.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar later referenced Kimmel’s comments in relation to those Trump made after the Reiners' killings, in which Trump said Rob Reiner’s death was “reportedly due to the anger he caused others through ... a mind crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME.”

Democratic senators on Wednesday hammered the Federal Communications Commission's leader over pressuring broadcasters to take ABC late-night host Jimmy Kimmel off the air, suggesting that Brendan Carr was politicizing an independent agency and trampling the First Amendment.

Texas, grilled Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr on Wednesday over his push for broadcasters to take ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel off the air.

FCC Chair Brendan Carr testifies after suggesting ABC licenses could be pulled over Jimmy Kimmel’s comments about Charlie Kirk assassination.

At the same time, consumers have warmed to the idea of advertising as an embedded part of their media experience. Nearly three-quarters (73 percent) say they appreciate advertising that entertains, according to Amazon Ads’ From Ads to Zeitgeist report, and 63 percent believe that advertising has the power to shape and create culture.