FCC Chair Defends Threat to Broadcasters Over Jimmy Kimmel Political Speech

Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr faced lawmakers Wednesday. He was grilled over comments about Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show. The hearing grew tense and confrontational at times. It centered on the agency’s role in policing political speech.Carr testified before a Senate committee. He did not take responsibility for his September statements. At that time, he suggested ABC affiliates could face an “easy way or hard way” choice regarding Kimmel’s program. This followed jokes Kimmel made about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Broadcasters Acted Amid Regulatory Pressure

Major station owners Nexstar and Sinclair soon preempted Kimmel’s show. Disney then suspended the program indefinitely. According to Reuters, the companies said these were independent business decisions. Carr echoed this point during his testimony.He insisted the FCC played no direct role. “Every single company involved… made these business decisions on their own,” Carr stated. Public outcry and statements from Republican senators followed. Kimmel’s show returned to air just days later.

A Contentious Hearing on Censorship and Power

Democratic senators challenged Carr’s definition of the FCC’s authority. They argued he was misusing rules to target unfavorable speech. Senator Ed Markey called for Carr’s resignation during the session. He accused Carr of turning the FCC into a “Federal Censorship Commission.”FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez, a Democrat, strongly disagreed with Carr’s stance. She argued the “broadcast hoax” rule was being misapplied. That rule was created for scenarios like the famous “War of the Worlds” radio play. Gomez stated the FCC is leveraging merger approvals to influence content.

Oscars Shock Move: Ceremony Jumps from ABC to YouTube Starting in 2029

The clash underscores a deep debate over regulatory power and the First Amendment. The future of the FCC’s role in content oversight remains deeply uncertain following this hearing.

Thought you’d like to know

What did Jimmy Kimmel say that started this?

Kimmel made jokes about the political rhetoric following the assassination of activist Charlie Kirk. He criticized efforts to score political points from the tragedy. The FCC Chair later called this an effort to mischaracterize the event’s motivations.

Did the FCC directly pull Jimmy Kimmel off the air?

No. Major ABC affiliate owners Nexstar and Sinclair chose to preempt the show. Disney then suspended it. Officials stated these were business decisions, though critics argue they were made under regulatory pressure.

What is the “broadcast hoax” rule Carr mentioned?

It is an FCC rule prohibiting broadcasters from knowingly transmitting false information about a crime or catastrophe. It was notably created after the panic caused by Orson Welles’s “War of the Worlds” radio drama in 1938.

How did Republican lawmakers react?

Some, like Senators Cruz and Paul, initially criticized Carr’s “easy or hard way” comment as dangerous. However, during the hearing, Cruz agreed with Carr that most late-night comedians are “profoundly unfunny” and partisan.

What happens next for the FCC?

The agency faces ongoing scrutiny over its enforcement priorities. Investigations into other broadcasters like NPR and PBS are ongoing. The debate over the limits of its public interest standard will likely continue.