AceShowbiz - Jimmy Kimmel is opting to release his interview with Texas Senate candidate James Talarico on his YouTube channel instead of airing it on ABC, TheWrap reports. This shift comes as a direct response to threats from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which have influenced the network’s editorial decisions and guest appearances.

TheWrap also revealed that the FCC, under the Trump administration, has repeatedly pressured Kimmel, ABC, and its local affiliates concerning their programming choices. Variety confirms that the decision to pull the interview from ABC’s broadcast lineup was made to shield local ABC stations in Texas from possible FCC sanctions. Earlier this year, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert faced a similar situation when CBS lawyers blocked an interview with Talarico due to FCC pressure related to equal-time rules, Variety adds. That incident sparked a surge in donations to Talarico’s campaign and millions of views on YouTube.

Kimmel noted that political candidates have traditionally appeared on late-night shows without issue, referencing his own 2015 interviews with Donald Trump when Trump was a presidential candidate and eager to participate. However, the situation shifted significantly after Trump took office, with increased FCC scrutiny targeting ABC and its affiliates. TheWrap explains that ABC is currently engaged in a legal battle with the FCC over accelerated license renewals, which the network argues are punitive measures tied to its programming content. The FCC denies these claims, saying their actions relate to an investigation of alleged employment discrimination at Disney and ABC.

As a comedian and host known for his long-running show Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Kimmel has built a reputation for blending humor with social and political commentary. This latest move to publish the Talarico interview exclusively on YouTube highlights ongoing tensions between broadcasters and regulatory authorities over free speech and political coverage.

This development underscores growing concerns about the FCC’s role in influencing media content and raises important questions about the balance between regulatory oversight and protecting political expression in broadcast media.

This article is based on reporting originally published by TheWrap.