Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel released an interview with Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico on YouTube Thursday evening, bypassing traditional television broadcast due to regulatory concerns. The decision came after Kimmel expressed worry that the Federal Communications Commission might take action against ABC affiliate stations if the conversation aired on television. During the sit-down, Kimmel asked Talarico what opponents feared about his candidacy, prompting the candidate to suggest his competition worried about his potential to win the race.
Talarico used the platform to criticize his Republican opponent and discuss his campaign priorities. He emphasized his refusal to accept corporate political action committee donations and addressed voting suppression concerns. The candidate also drew on religious teachings, arguing that Christian values should guide policy decisions on issues ranging from immigration to healthcare and poverty assistance. He contrasted his willingness to answer difficult questions with what he characterized as his opponent’s tendency to avoid scrutiny.
Kimmel explained to his studio audience that FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr had threatened regulatory action against the network, claiming the agency demanded equal interview time for all candidates appearing on the ballot. The host characterized the situation as an infringement on free speech and journalistic freedom that his program had exercised for over two decades. By moving the content to YouTube, Kimmel avoided potential penalties against ABC’s local stations while still making the interview publicly available.
Originally reported by Variety →
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