Democrats Criticize FCC Chair's Alleged Threats to Media Companies, Seek Clarification Regarding FCC's Part in Potential Censorship of Kimmel
In a letter addressed to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Brendan Carr, a group of Democratic Senators have expressed their concern over the agency's role in the suspension of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' on ABC News. The Senators, including Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, among others, accused the FCC of acting as a 'roving press censor.'
The Senators' letter, delivered in response to Carr's public threats of punitive regulatory action against ABC and its affiliated broadcasters following Jimmy Kimmel's controversial monologue in September 2025, demanded answers from the FCC by September 25. They questioned Carr's statement that ABC and Disney could 'do this the easy way or the hard way.'
The Senators believe that the FCC's role in overseeing public airwaves does not give it the power to act as a press censor. They accused the FCC of discarding its duty to ensure broadcasters act in the 'public interest' and instead requiring them to act in 'Trump's interest.' The letter also criticized the FCC for targeting broadcasters based on their political commentary.
The decision to suspend 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' on ABC News is being linked to the FCC and its role in overseeing broadcasting. The consequences of Carr's comments were apparent, with Nexstar announcing that it would take Kimmel off the air hours later, and Disney announcing an indefinite suspension of his show shortly after.
Carr has denied calling Nexstar, Sinclair, and ABC News, but threatened to take away licenses of ABC affiliates who aired Jimmy Kimmel's show in a different interview. The Senators demanded copies of all communications between FCC staff and Disney, ABC News, or their affiliates about Jimmy Kimmel. They also asked for clarification on the definition of the 'public interest' standard and any political bias tests.
The letter, reported on by Policyband in an interview with Carr on Sept. 18, accuses the FCC of an anathema to the Constitution and that the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! on ABC News is an example of government censorship. The Senators are outraged by Carr's comments suggesting that the FCC would take action against ABC News and its affiliates over Jimmy Kimmel's comments.
President Donald Trump praised Carr as a 'patriot' and 'tough guy,' and expressed views that broadcasters airing criticism of him should lose their broadcast licenses. Trump's views are seen as a potential influence on the FCC's actions.
The controversy surrounding the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel's show continues to raise concerns about the FCC's role in regulating broadcasting and its potential impact on freedom of speech. The Senators' letter serves as a call for transparency and accountability from the FCC.
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