FCC re-evaluation of licenses proposed by Trump following controversy over Jimmy Kimmel's broadcast overriding
In a series of recent events, ABC News has made the decision to indefinitely preempt Jimmy Kimmel's late-night show following comments Kimmel made after the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. This move has sparked a flurry of political activity, with members of the House of Representatives launching investigations and calling for the FCC chair to testify.
As a private company, ABC has the right to make its own choices about who wears its brand, according to House Speaker Mike Johnson. However, this decision has not gone uncontested. Rep. Robert Garcia, the panel's top Democrat, is leading an investigation into the Trump administration, ABC News, and Sinclair over Kimmel's preempted show.
Democratic Rep. Anna Eshoo has attempted to subpoena FCC Chairman Brendan Carr to appear before the House Oversight Committee, with Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna moving to subpoena Carr as well. House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer believes Carr would be willing to testify.
However, House Speaker Mike Johnson has stated that the matter of ABC's decisions regarding Kimmel is not something for Congress to get involved in. Despite this, Democrats on Capitol Hill have called for Carr to resign, with some accusing him of bullying ABC and forcing the company to bend to the Trump administration's will.
Brendan Carr had previously called for Kimmel's suspension over the comments, and he weighed in on the situation during an appearance on CNBC. Carr stated that it is a significant moment because local broadcasters are pushing back on national programmers for the first time in modern history. He also added that the FCC wants to empower local broadcasters to push back on national programmers, giving people more choice.
President Donald Trump has also weighed in on the situation, suggesting the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) reexamine licenses for television networks that repeatedly criticize him. Trump claimed Kimmel was fired, although it is not clear if this is accurate.
Trump spoke about Kimmel during a press conference with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, stating that these networks give him only bad publicity or press. Despite the controversy, the House panel tabled Khanna's motion in a 24-21 vote, but committee leaders aim to have Carr testify voluntarily.
Rep. Garcia has stated that the investigation is of interest to both the majority and the minority, and it remains to be seen how this situation will unfold in the coming weeks.
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