Jimmy Kimmel said the FCC threatened his show, ABC, its affiliates, and local stations over the decision to feature James Talarico|@jimmykimmel|X
Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel says pressure from the Federal Communications Commission has pushed his show to move an interview with Texas Senate candidate James Talarico from television to YouTube.
Kimmel said the FCC threatened his show, ABC, its affiliates, and local stations over the decision to feature Talarico. By putting the interview online, the show avoids broadcast regulations that can require equal airtime for political candidates.
Talarico, a Democrat, is challenging Republican Ken Paxton in a closely watched Texas Senate race. His appearance on Stephen Colbert’s show also moved online earlier this year amid concerns about FCC rules.
Kimmel said his show had interviewed political candidates for more than two decades without similar problems.
FCC Democratic Commissioner Anna Gomez accused the Trump administration of using the agency to pressure broadcasters and called the move another example of censorship.
ABC has also sued the FCC over its broadcast-license review. The dispute adds to growing tensions between the network and the Trump administration.