Jimmy Kimmel Live Shifts James Talarico Interview to YouTube as FCC Threatens 8 ABC Station Licenses
Updated
Updated · Variety · Sep 10
Jimmy Kimmel Live Shifts James Talarico Interview to YouTube as FCC Threatens 8 ABC Station Licenses
3 articles · Updated · Variety · Sep 10
Summary
Wednesday's "Jimmy Kimmel Live" said its interview with Texas Senate candidate James Talarico will skip ABC's over-the-air broadcast and run only on YouTube.
Kimmel said the move was meant to shield local ABC stations—especially affiliates in Texas—from what he called politically motivated FCC pressure over candidate appearances.
ABC's concern follows FCC chairman Brendan Carr's threats against the network, including possible action on 8 owned-and-operated station licenses and a review of whether "The View" qualifies for an equal-time exemption.
The dispute has already spread across late night: CBS blocked Stephen Colbert from airing a Talarico interview in February, after which Talarico's campaign raised $2.5 million in 24 hours and the clip drew 9.5 million YouTube views.
ABC has sued the FCC over what it calls an "extraordinary assault" on free-speech rights, turning a guest-booking decision into a broader fight over political speech before November.