Political Guyentist
← Back to issue
BoardScroll
Ongoing1 earlier update23 days

This story has run 2 times over 23 days, starting Aug 19.

  1. Disney sues the FCC, calling an early review of ABC's licenses retaliation for its coverage
  2. UpdateKimmel moves James Talarico interview from ABC to YouTube, citing FCC threats — this issue
PBS NEWSHOURUpdate

Kimmel moves James Talarico interview from ABC to YouTube, citing FCC threats

Political Guyentist · September 11, 20261 min read

PBS NEWSHOUR

Kimmel said his interview with U.S. Senate nominee James Talarico (D-TX) will skip ABC for YouTube-only, citing FCC threats over bookings, the second late-night pull since February. White House spokesman Davis Ingle denies any threat, calling it play-acting.

Catch upwhat happened before · 1 earlier issue

On Aug. 19 Disney sued to block an early FCC review of ABC licenses as retaliation, saying pressure had already changed ABC's broadcasts. On Sep. 8 Chair Carr put broadcast polls on the FCC agenda with no definition or timeline, saying licenses impose rules cable and online escape.

  • Stephen Colbert's CBS interview with Talarico was also kept off broadcast TV in February 2026.
  • Kimmel said he has booked candidates for more than 20 years without similar trouble.
  • Kimmel said the YouTube-only move spares Texas ABC affiliates from dealing with the dispute.