But mocking people isn't killing them or putting them in prison or burning their books -- especially if there are other shows, channels, and networks.
A free society does have room for clowns to domineer on television for an hour or so a week since there are plenty of other media outlets that will disagree.
I don't really go with the argument "if so-and-so had absolute power, so-and-so would exercise absolute power." Most people don't want absolute power, so the point is moot, IMHO.