Talk show host Jimmy Kimmel stated that his interview with Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico will not be aired on television due to alleged threats from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Kimmel made the announcement on his show, "Jimmy Kimmel Live!", on Wednesday, claiming the FCC, particularly under the Trump administration, had threatened him and his program over editorial decisions, including guest bookings.
The White House has denied these allegations. A spokesperson for the White House stated that Jimmy Kimmel is "play-acting" and that FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has not threatened the host regarding any candidate interviews. The spokesperson further asserted that these claims create a false narrative about the current administration's policies.
Kimmel explained that out of consideration for ABC's local affiliates in Texas, particularly in light of the upcoming midterm elections, the interview would be made available on YouTube instead of airing on television. Republican Ken Paxton, who is backed by Donald Trump, is set to face Talarico in November for a Texas Senate seat. The outcome of this race is seen as significant for determining control of the U.S. Senate for the final two years of a potential Trump presidency.
Kimmel referenced past instances where he felt the FCC under Trump had targeted his show. He recalled an incident in September when he was temporarily pulled off the air following comments about the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. This action occurred hours after Carr, a Trump appointee, reportedly threatened action against ABC and its parent company, Disney. Additionally, in April, following a joke Kimmel made about then-First Lady Melania Trump, the FCC initiated an early review of Disney's television broadcast licenses.
In response to these alleged actions, ABC filed a lawsuit against the FCC last month, arguing that the network was being unfairly targeted for its editorial content. Former President Trump has previously stated his consideration of revoking FCC licenses for networks that aired content critical of his presidency.
This situation echoes a similar claim made in February by late-night host Stephen Colbert. Colbert accused his network, CBS, of refusing to broadcast his interview with Talarico, citing fears of FCC retaliation. CBS denied banning the interview, stating they provided only "legal guidance."