In a fiery on-air segment that has quickly gone viral, comedian and political commentator Jon Stewart launched an unfiltered tirade against ABC News, calling the network “a f—king joke” over its sudden firing of veteran journalist Terry Moran. But what began as an emotional defense of a long-time journalist quickly evolved into something far more explosive—a scathing expose of what Stewart says ABC doesn’t want the public to know.

Jon Stewart returns to 'The Daily Show'

“You Don’t Fire Terry Moran—You Learn From Him”

Stewart, who returned to helm The Daily Show earlier this year, didn’t hold back during Monday night’s broadcast. After showing a montage of Moran’s decades of field reporting, including war zone coverage, Supreme Court analysis, and pivotal election night reporting, Stewart turned to the camera and unleashed:

“Terry Moran is the guy you send when the world’s on fire. And ABC just lit a match and tossed him out the window. It’s not just stupid—it’s disgraceful.”

Stewart described Moran’s dismissal as part of a “ratings-obsessed corporate bloodbath” that prioritizes clickbait pundits over journalistic integrity. But what came next shocked viewers and sent shockwaves through the media industry.

Behind Closed Doors: What ABC Doesn’t Want You to Know

According to Stewart, sources close to the situation revealed that Moran’s firing had less to do with ratings or cost-cutting—and more to do with what he refused to do.

“He said no. He said no to editorial pressure. No to killing a story that hit too close to home. And ABC couldn’t handle it,” Stewart alleged.

The specific story in question? A segment Moran reportedly prepared earlier this year involving deep ties between certain media executives and lobbying firms with stakes in ongoing Middle East policy decisions. The piece, which never aired, was allegedly shelved “for political sensitivity” and quietly buried.

“This wasn’t about objectivity. This was about control,” Stewart said. “Terry was digging in places powerful people didn’t want him to.”

ABC’s Response: Silence and Spin

As of this writing, ABC News has declined to comment on Stewart’s allegations or the specifics surrounding Moran’s departure. In an internal memo leaked to media outlets, the network cited “restructuring for digital-first initiatives” as the reason for the separation.

However, newsroom insiders reportedly feel betrayed and demoralized, with one longtime producer anonymously telling Rolling Stone:

“This isn’t restructuring. It’s retaliation wrapped in PR fluff.”

Industry Reaction: Support and Speculation

The journalism community erupted with support for Moran—and for Stewart’s scathing honesty. CNN’s Jake Tapper tweeted, “Terry Moran is a professional of the highest order. Firing him is not just wrong—it’s a loss for truth.”

Meanwhile, media watchdog groups are calling for a formal review into ABC’s internal editorial practices. Media Matters issued a statement urging transparency:

“If journalists are being silenced for political convenience, that’s not just a media issue—it’s a democracy issue.”

Terry Moran defends 'accurate and true' post about Trump that got him dropped by ABC News | CNN Business

What’s Next for Moran—and for ABC?

Terry Moran has remained mostly silent since the firing, issuing only a short, cryptic message on X:

“Truth matters. Still does. Always will.”

Rumors are already swirling that networks like MSNBC, PBS, or even independent platforms may court Moran for an exclusive role—perhaps with fewer corporate shackles.

As for Stewart, he ended his segment with a warning:

“If this is what we’re doing to the journalists who still care—then maybe we’re the joke.”

Whether this story marks the beginning of a broader reckoning inside corporate media remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Jon Stewart didn’t just defend a colleague—he lit a fire under an entire industry.