Kimmel says he can no longer host politicians on ABC, warning that the FCC is weaponizing broadcast rules to silence guests
‘What would Jesus do?’
The landscape of late-night television is shifting in a way that feels increasingly restrictive, and it is a situation that should concern anyone who values open discourse. Jimmy Kimmel, the host of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, recently shared that his planned interview with Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico will not air on television, a decision he directly attributes to pressure from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
According to the BBC, Kimmel explained that the regulatory body, under the presidency of Donald Trump, has threatened him and his network, ABC, over editorial choices and guest bookings. It is a tough spot for any host to be in, especially when the threat of regulatory action looms over every booking decision. Kimmel was clear about his frustrations during his broadcast. He noted that he has hosted many political figures over the years, including Trump himself back when he was running for his first term.
Kimmel said the Trump administration is now using the FCC to target the show, the network, and even local affiliates based on guest appearances they do not like. Because of these pressures, he decided to shift the Talarico interview to YouTube instead of airing it on TV on Thursday, September 10, 2026. He explicitly stated this move was out of consideration for local stations, particularly the ABC affiliates in Texas that would otherwise have to deal with the fallout of this situation.
The White House has pushed back against these claims
Spokesperson Davis Ingle said that Kimmel is simply play-acting to create a false narrative about the current administration. Ingle stated that FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has not threatened the host regarding the Talarico interview or any other candidate.
Despite this denial, the tension between ABC and the regulator has been building for months. The FCC is responsible for issuing broadcast licenses and overseeing the airwaves, which gives the agency significant leverage when it disagrees with the content being produced by major networks.
This is not the first time the network has found itself in the crosshairs of the regulator. Back in September, Kimmel was temporarily pulled off the air following comments he made about the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. That incident occurred just hours after Brendan Carr, a Trump appointee, threatened action against ABC and its parent company, Disney.
This tension has also manifested in other ways, such as in April when Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump publicly urged ABC to reprimand Kimmel for a joke he made about the First Lady. Shortly after that, the FCC ordered an early review of television broadcast licenses held by Disney. The situation escalated enough that ABC sued the FCC last month, claiming that the network is being unfairly targeted for its editorial content.
The stakes are high
This is because the upcoming midterm elections in Texas, where James Talarico is running against Trump-backed Republican Ken Paxton, will help decide if Democrats can regain control of the US Senate for the final two years of Donald Trump’s presidency. James Talarico has been vocal about the situation, labeling the move a dangerous form of cancel culture.
According to Variety, Talarico expressed his frustration by stating that government censorship should be a concern to everyone, regardless of political affiliation. He argued that powerful politicians and media executives are effectively deciding what the public is allowed to watch and read. He mentioned that he is still holding out hope that the interview might eventually make it to the airwaves, but for now, the digital route is the only path forward.
There is a clear pattern here that extends beyond just one host. In February, former late night host Stephen Colbert faced a similar hurdle when his network, CBS, reportedly refused to air his interview with Talarico due to fears of retaliation from the FCC. While CBS denied that it had banned the interview, claiming it only provided legal guidance, the end result was the same.
Colbert moved his interview to YouTube, where it eventually garnered 9.5 million views. Interestingly, the Talarico campaign saw a massive surge in support, raising 2.5 million dollars in the 24 hours after Colbert revealed the interview could not be aired.
The core of this dispute often centers on the equal time rule
This rule requires stations to provide equal airtime to political candidates. The FCC has been particularly aggressive in enforcing this, even going after Saturday Night Live for a brief cameo by Kamala Harris. The agency is currently locked in a heated debate with ABC over whether shows like The View qualify for exemptions as bona fide news programs.
When you consider that Donald Trump has previously mentioned he is considering pulling the broadcast licenses for networks that air views critical of his presidency, the climate for television hosts becomes incredibly precarious. It is a strange and concerning time for the media, and it is clear that the traditional rules of the game are being tested like never before. Regardless of where you stand on the politics, the impact on what we see on our screens is undeniable.
Have a tip we should know? [email protected]
Follow The Mary Sue:
