Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel released an interview with Democratic Texas Senate candidate James Talarico on YouTube instead of airing it on broadcast television following regulatory threats. The Federal Communications Commission reportedly threatened action against ABC, the network’s affiliates, and local stations over the planned segment, prompting Kimmel to relocate the conversation to an online platform.
During his Wednesday monologue, Kimmel explained that he made the decision to protect ABC’s local affiliates in Texas from potential regulatory complications. He noted the irony of the situation, pointing out that late-night programs have regularly featured political candidates from both parties without incident. The 20-minute interview was posted to the show’s YouTube channel Thursday evening, allowing audiences to view the conversation outside traditional broadcast channels.
In the discussion, Talarico, who is challenging state Attorney General Ken Paxton, addressed concerns about his candidacy and responded to criticism from national figures. He emphasized his focus on practical policy issues affecting everyday Americans, stating his motivation for public service centers on improving constituents’ lives through tangible solutions rather than political rhetoric.
The White House disputed Kimmel’s account, with a spokesperson denying that any formal threat had been made and characterizing the host’s claims as unfounded. This incident echoes a similar situation involving Stephen Colbert’s show, where network lawyers previously prevented a Talarico interview from airing.
Originally reported by Rollingstone →
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