As Schilke acknowledges, in circumstances relevant to this question, the First Amendment prohibits the punishment of speech unless 1) it is "directed at inciting or producing imminent lawless action" and (2) it is "likely to incite or produce such action." Brandenburg v. Ohio, 395 U.S. 444(1969)
If our talk show hosts had called upon the masses to rise up and stomp the poor fellow, he'd have a point. But criticizing someone - even harshly - does not qualify. Even urging people to let someone - say a politician or a business - know that you disapprove of some action they have taken does not qualify.
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