Federal Communications Commissioner Brendan Carr has threatened potential regulatory action against ABC and its parent company, Disney, over late-night host Jimmy Kimmel‘s recent comments regarding conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. Carr signaled the FCC could impose further scrutiny on the broadcasters if they do not address kimmel’s remarks, escalating a pattern of targeting media outlets critical of republican figures.
The dispute centers on Kimmel’s on-air criticism of Kirk, which Carr characterized as problematic given ABC’s obligation to operate in the public interest as a condition of its broadcast license. This action follows Carr’s previous public criticism of ABC’s “The View” in July, when he accused the show of being “in the crosshairs” of the administration following co-host joy Behar’s criticism of President Trump. The FCC commissioner’s actions raise questions about the agency’s independence and potential for politically motivated enforcement.
“We can do this the easy way or the hard way,” Carr said. “These companies can find ways to change conduct and take actions on Kimmel, or there’s going to be additional work for the FCC ahead.” He added that broadcasters, including ABC, “have a license granted by us at the FCC, and that comes with it an obligation to operate in the public interest.”
Carr also personally attacked Kimmel,describing him as “talentless” and suggesting his comments stemmed from “some sort of desperate irrelevance.” Disney and ABC have not yet responded to requests for comment.
This is not an isolated incident. Carr,a Trump appointee,publicly celebrated the cancellation of Stephen Colbert’s late-night show on CBS,and former President trump subsequently suggested Kimmel could be next.The incident underscores a broader trend of conservative figures targeting late-night comedians and media personalities for their political commentary.
