Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel announced during his Wednesday, September 9, 2026, broadcast that an interview with Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico would not air on television. Kimmel stated that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) had "threatened" his show and the ABC network regarding guest bookings. The interview was instead released on YouTube to bypass FCC regulation of broadcast airwaves.
The move follows a January announcement by the FCC, under the administration of President Donald Trump, that late-night and daytime talk shows must adhere to "equal time" requirements for political candidates. While broadcast stations are traditionally required to provide equivalent airtime to opposing candidates, this rule had not historically been applied to talk show appearances. Talarico is seeking the U.S. Senate seat held by Republican Ken Paxton, the Texas Attorney General, in the upcoming November midterm elections.
The White House denied Kimmel's allegations, with spokesperson Davis Ingle accusing the host of "play-acting" to create a "false narrative." The FCC did not immediately respond to requests for comment. However, Anna Gomez, a Democrat on the Commission, stated on Thursday, September 10, 2026, that the decision to keep the interview off-air demonstrated the administration's "campaign of censorship and control."
This development affects broadcast television networks, local affiliates, and political candidates who rely on late-night programs to reach voters. By moving the interview to YouTube, the program circumvents the FCC’s authority, which is limited to broadcast airwaves and does not extend to internet platforms. The decision follows a move by Stephen Colbert in February 2026, when an interview with Talarico appeared online rather than on CBS.
ABC has filed a lawsuit against the FCC on First Amendment grounds after the agency ordered an early review of Disney-owned broadcast licenses. The FCC cited diversity and inclusion practices for the review, though the order followed a joke Kimmel made about First Lady Melania Trump in April. For viewers, this shift means that specific political content may no longer be available on traditional television sets, requiring a transition to digital streaming services to view candidate interviews.
The outcome of the ABC lawsuit may determine the extent to which the FCC can use licensing reviews to influence broadcast content. The Talarico-Paxton election is scheduled for November 2026.