Kimmel Responds to FCC’s New Threats

Jimmy Kimmel, the late-night host, addressed his audience on Wednesday, revealing concerns over recent threats made against broadcast networks by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

He remarked, “The president has been 6,000 miles away, focused on his talk shows, sharing tales about how his associates at the FCC are looking to complicate interviews on programs like ours and The View with politicians who hold opposing views.” He added a droll “actually.”

On the same day, the FCC publicly declared that it would require the three major broadcast networks to adhere to “statutory equal opportunity requirements,” as established by the Communications Act of 1934. This includes provisions specifically related to late-night and daytime talk shows.

The FCC outlined in a press release that, per Section 315, if a broadcast station permits a qualified candidate for public office to use its facilities, equal opportunities must be offered to all other candidates in similar situations.

Kimmel humorously pointed out the situation, saying, “We’re facing threats from the FCC again, and, well, we might just need some more help.” His statement was met with enthusiastic applause from the audience.

He also noted that January 20th marked a year since President Donald Trump’s inauguration. Kimmel joked, “To commemorate the anniversary, I invited President Trump to be on tonight’s show. Damn the FCC! Sadly, his head couldn’t talk, but we managed to book another part of his body. So please welcome President Trump’s badly bruised right hand!”

In September, Kimmel’s show faced suspension due to comments he made about Charlie Kirk. This followed remarks from former FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, who deemed Kimmel’s comments as “some of the most egregious conduct” and hinted at potential actions the FCC might pursue.