Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel announced that a scheduled interview with Texas Democratic U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico will not air on ABC. Instead, the conversation will be released on YouTube to bypass the control and regulation of the Federal Communications Commission.
Kimmel stated that the decision was made following threats from the FCC and the Trump administration against his show and network. By moving the interview off the air, the host aims to save ABC stations the hassle of dealing with the commission.
The move occurs as ABC remains in a months-long feud with the FCC and its chair, Trump appointee Brendan Carr. Additionally, the Trump administration has raised concerns regarding equal air time for political candidates.
James Talarico is running for the U.S. Senate in Texas against Republican Attorney-General Ken Paxton.