FCC Actions Have Chilling Effect Over What Viewers See on TV

Jimmy Kimmel released his interview with James Talarico on YouTube instead of ABC. Jimmy Kimmel Live/YOUTUBE The battle between ABC and the Federal Communications Commission is no longer confined to court filings. It is changing what reaches broadcast television.

Jimmy Kimmel recently kept his interview with Democratic U.S. Senate candidate for Texas James Talarico off ABC, releasing it on the Jimmy Kimmel Live! YouTube channel instead. Kimmel said the decision was intended to protect local stations from regulatory pressure over political guest bookings.

The move came as Disney and ABC accused the FCC of conducting an unconstitutional "retaliatory campaign" that is "chilling speech" ahead of the November election. The agency maintains that it is enforcing federal broadcasting law.

Jimmy Kimmel cited concerns about regulatory pressure affecting ABC affiliates and political interviews.Jimmy Kimmel Live/YOUTUBE