Kimmel Moves Talarico Interview to YouTube, Cites FCC
Is pulling the late-night interview proof of federal censorship or just routine compliance?
Above: "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" on Sept. 8. Image credit: Randy Holmes/Disney/Getty Images
The Spin
Government-critical narrative
When a late-night host has to dump a Senate candidate interview onto YouTube because the FCC chairman has been threatening the network, its affiliates and local stations, press freedom is already gone. This is the second time in months a host has buried an interview over federal intimidation, and there's no telling how many bookings quietly died the same way.
Pro-government narrative
No threat was ever made about interviewing James Talarico or any other candidate, so this whole routine is a victim act built on a false narrative. The equal-time rule has been on the books for years and applies to every broadcaster; being asked to follow it isn't intimidation. If the candidate is really that strong, giving Ken Paxton the same slot should be no problem at all.
