Story perspectives

Kimmel Moves Talarico Interview Online After FCC Pressure

By Drooid · Sep 14, 2026, 2:05 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Jimmy Kimmel Moves Interview

Jimmy Kimmel moved his interview with Texas Senate candidate James Talarico to YouTube after FCC pressure.
FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr said broadcasters must apply equal-time rules to candidate appearances on non-news programs.
The interview attracted over 8.3 million YouTube views in 72 hours, surpassing Kimmel’s television audience.
A Texas poll shows James Talarico narrowly ahead of incumbent Ken Paxton, making the race a toss-up.

Summary

Disney Sues FCC

Disney sued the FCC, alleging retaliatory early license reviews of its ABC stations.
The FCC ordered early renewal reviews for ABC’s eight owned-and-operated stations, its first such action in over 50 years.
Anna Gomez, the Commission’s sole Democrat, called the reviews “censorship” and urged courts to limit FCC authority.
A White House spokesperson on 2026-09-13 dismissed the claims as “play acting” and denied any FCC threats.

History

Historical Context

Originating in the 1934 Communications Act, the FCC’s equal-time rule was invoked in the 1976 presidential race, forcing networks to provide extra airtime to Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford. Commissioner Brendan Carr now cites that precedent while urging that Jimmy Kimmel’s YouTube interview with Texas Senate candidate James Talarico comply, as Disney’s lawsuit over ABC renewals revives the same regulatory debate.

1 of 3

Jimmy Kimmel Moves Interview

Jimmy Kimmel moved his interview with Texas Senate candidate James Talarico to YouTube after FCC pressure.
FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr said broadcasters must apply equal-time rules to candidate appearances on non-news programs.
The interview attracted over 8.3 million YouTube views in 72 hours, surpassing Kimmel’s television audience.
A Texas poll shows James Talarico narrowly ahead of incumbent Ken Paxton, making the race a toss-up.

1 / 3