The article details how Donald Trump and FCC Chair Brendan Carr are accused of bullying late-night hosts into silence by leveraging the FCC’s power over broadcast licenses and corporate mergers. ABC’s “indefinite” suspension of Jimmy Kimmel’s show is cited as an example of corporate capitulation, mirroring instances where shows were canceled ahead of important government approvals. The author argues that corporations prioritize profits over free speech, and the FCC is complicit, with Carr seemingly willing to censor content that is critical of Trump. This approach is deemed concerning, particularly as Trump has indicated that negative press could be used to revoke broadcasting licenses.
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President Trump defended FCC Chair Brendan Carr, despite Senator Ted Cruz’s criticism of Carr’s actions regarding the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel. Cruz denounced Carr’s actions, warning that they set a dangerous precedent for suppressing free speech. Trump disagreed with Cruz and stated Carr was a patriot taking on networks that criticized him. The controversy arose after Kimmel’s comments about a conservative activist’s murder, which led Carr to threaten ABC’s broadcast license.
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The House Oversight Committee voted to table a motion to subpoena FCC Chair Brendan Carr regarding ABC’s suspension of Jimmy Kimmel. Despite the vote falling along party lines, there is potential for a bipartisan effort to bring Carr before the committee. Carr, in the meantime, has expressed the view that the media landscape is undergoing a “massive shift” due to President Trump’s election. Furthermore, Trump has suggested that networks critical of him should face consequences, even suggesting license revocation. FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez has criticized the previous administration for weaponizing its licensing authority and called Kimmel’s suspension a form of censorship.
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The suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live “indefinitely” by Disney-owned ABC came after an explicit threat from Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr. Carr, wielding the FCC’s power to regulate broadcast TV and approve mergers, pressured ABC-affiliated stations to stop airing the show, citing concerns about Kimmel’s comments regarding Charlie Kirk’s death. This governmental overreach, mirroring a prior tactic used on Paramount, led to the suspension, demonstrating an attempt to dictate the speech of private TV networks and entertainers. The FCC chair’s actions stand in stark contrast to First Amendment principles and have been condemned by some.
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Democratic lawmakers are demanding FCC Chair Brendan Carr’s resignation, accusing him of abusing his power by pressuring ABC network regarding Jimmy Kimmel’s show. This pressure allegedly preceded the show’s indefinite hiatus. Adding to the controversy, former President Barack Obama voiced his disapproval through a social media statement, further amplifying the criticism.
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FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has threatened to revoke ABC’s broadcasting license in response to a Jimmy Kimmel joke about the suspected shooter of Charlie Kirk, Tyler Robinson. Carr accused Kimmel of spreading misinformation by playing into a narrative that Robinson was a “MAGA or Republican motivated person”. Carr suggested that if Disney and ABC did not take action against Kimmel, the FCC would intervene, citing their obligation to operate in the public interest. Legal experts and FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez have since condemned Carr’s statements, noting the FCC lacks the authority to control content and that such actions could suppress free speech.
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FCC Chair Brendan Carr is facing criticism for appearing to threaten ABC’s broadcast licenses over Jimmy Kimmel’s monologue about the Charlie Kirk shooting. Carr called Kimmel’s comments, which linked the suspected shooter to MAGA Republicans, “the sickest conduct possible” and suggested potential FCC actions, including suspension or license revocation. Carr’s statements sparked controversy within the FCC itself, with Commissioner Anna Gomez criticizing the Chair’s threats as an attempt to suppress lawful expression. ABC and Kimmel have not yet commented on the matter.
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Amidst criticism of the “The View’s” commentary on President Trump, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr suggested potential “issues” and “consequences” for the program. Carr’s remarks followed a Fox News appearance where he addressed the fallout from co-host Joy Behar’s statements, as well as a White House response criticizing Behar. Referencing a past episode where multiple legal notices were read to avoid legal liability, Carr implied the show faces ongoing challenges. The show’s future is now uncertain following the recent cancellation of “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” and despite there being no indication that the show will not be back in September.
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Brendan Carr, President-elect Trump’s FCC nominee and a long-time critic of Big Tech, advocates for repealing Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. This provision shields online platforms from liability for user-generated content, a point of contention for Carr who believes it creates an unacceptable power imbalance. Carr’s views, detailed in the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025, align with both Trump’s and Biden’s stated desires to reform or eliminate Section 230, despite differing motivations. Repealing Section 230 enjoys bipartisan support, though legislative progress remains slow.
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Under a potential Ajit Pai-esque chairmanship by Brendan Carr, the FCC’s direction would drastically shift. This includes deregulation of internet service providers, potentially at the expense of increased regulation and financial burdens on Big Tech companies. Furthermore, a Carr-led FCC might target news organizations deemed critical of the administration and prioritize funding for projects like Elon Musk’s Starlink, potentially disregarding existing regulatory decisions. The FCC chair’s significant authority, as outlined by Carr himself, underscores the potential for sweeping changes under his leadership.
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John Q. Hosedrinker