Jimmy Kimmel announced Wednesday that an interview with James Talarico, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Texas, will not be broadcast on his show but will instead be available exclusively on YouTube. Kimmel stated that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), under President Donald Trump, had threatened his program, its network ABC, and affiliated local stations over editorial decisions regarding guest bookings.
Kimmel explained that he wanted to shield ABC affiliates in Texas from potential repercussions. He did not specify whether the decision was his, ABC's, or its parent company Disney's. However, a similar incident occurred earlier this year involving "Late Show" host Stephen Colbert.
In February, Colbert revealed that CBS lawyers had prevented him from airing an interview with Talarico, citing FCC threats. Colbert also moved his interview to YouTube and criticized CBS for restricting his ability to discuss the situation on air. He also noted FCC Chairman Brendan Carr's threats to enforce equal-time regulations, from which TV talk shows have historically been exempt.
Disney is currently engaged in a lawsuit against the FCC and the Trump administration. The suit, filed on First Amendment grounds, challenges the FCC's decision to initiate an early review of the broadcast licenses for eight ABC-owned stations, which Disney argues poses an "existential threat" to the network.