ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel says James Talarico interview to air on YouTube after FCC threats
Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel announced that an interview with Democratic candidate James Talarico will move to YouTube due to FCC threats regarding equal time rules. The network is facing pressure following an FCC policy shift that excludes talk shows from news exemptions.
Why it matters
The situation raises significant concerns regarding political interference in media and the independence of broadcast networks during election cycles.
Jimmy Kimmel noted that for decades talk shows have been free to interview political candidates without being subject to those rules. RANDY HOLMES/ABC/AFP via Getty Images
ABC late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel said an interview with Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico on Thursday will air on YouTube and not during the network broadcast, citing threats from the Federal Communications Commission.
In January, the Republican-led FCC said that daytime and late-night TV talk shows are no longer considered “bona fide” news programs that are exempt from equal time rules that require them to give airtime to opposing candidates.
Kimmel noted that for decades talk shows have been free to interview political candidates without being subject to those rules.
Talarico is running in Texas against Republican Attorney-General Ken Paxton in a race that could decide control of the U.S. Senate in November.
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