Another big James Talarico interview is punted to YouTube due to FCC threats
Jimmy Kimmel announced he will post his planned interview with Democratic Texas Senate candidate James Talarico to YouTube rather than air it on Jimmy Kimmel Live, citing concerns about retaliation from the Federal Communications Commission under the Trump administration. Kimmel said the move was made to avoid exposing ABC's local affiliates, particularly those in Texas, to pressure from the FCC.
Why It Matters
Broadcasters shifting interviews to online platforms highlights growing tensions between networks and the FCC, and follows a string of similar incidents involving high-profile shows and the regulator. ABC has filed a lawsuit alleging the FCC has engaged in a retaliatory campaign against the network, raising legal and free-press implications.
Key Facts
- Interviewer: Jimmy Kimmel
- Guest: James Talarico, Democratic Texas Senate candidate
- Platform for interview: YouTube (will not air on ABC television)
- Reason given by Kimmel: Concern about retaliation from the Trump administration's FCC and potential impact on ABC local affiliates
- Announcement timing: Made on Wednesday night's episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live
Jimmy Kimmel said he will publish his planned interview with Texas Senate candidate James Talarico on YouTube rather than broadcast it on Jimmy Kimmel Live, explaining the decision on a recent episode of his show. Kimmel described the choice as one taken to shield ABC’s local stations from potential regulatory pressure by the Federal Communications Commission under the Trump administration.
Kimmel framed the move as a response to what he characterized as threats from the FCC directed at him, his program, ABC, and the network’s affiliates over routine editorial choices and guest bookings. To avoid forcing local ABC stations — particularly those in Texas — to face what he called “nonsense,” he said the interview would be posted online only.
The YouTube posting follows a series of similar shifts and confrontations. Nearly a year ago, Kimmel’s program was taken off the air in response to threats from FCC chair Brendan Carr. In February, Stephen Colbert said an interview with Talarico had to be moved to YouTube after CBS raised concerns about upsetting the FCC and its equal-time considerations, and The View also faced FCC scrutiny after an earlier interview with Talarico.
ABC has responded to the agency’s actions by filing a lawsuit last month, alleging the FCC has conducted a retaliatory campaign against the network and threatened to pull broadcast licenses. The dispute has prompted several high-profile shows to alter how they distribute certain interviews, moving some content online to avoid potential regulatory consequences.