Late-night hosts Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert expressed strong opposition to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) following its recent decision to enforce the “equal time” mandate. This regulation requires television networks to provide equal airtime to opposing political candidates, and both hosts characterized the move as a significant attempt to limit their programming. Kimmel described it as a “crackdown” aimed at silencing their voices.
During his monologue on Thursday night, Kimmel elaborated on the implications of the FCC’s notice, which he briefly mentioned the night before. He argued that this action is part of former President Donald Trump‘s ongoing “war on talk shows.” Kimmel highlighted a post from Trump on his platform, Truth Social, where Trump criticized the FCC’s efforts, calling them a way to complicate interviews with politicians.
Kimmel targeted FCC Chair Brendan Carr, referring to him as “Brendan Cartel.” He asserted that the agency is “reinterpreting long-agreed-upon rules” in a manner that threatens the integrity of late-night shows. Kimmel explained that the “equal time” mandate was established when radio was the primary broadcast medium and had since been applied to television.
The ABC host pointed out that late-night shows have enjoyed an exemption under this mandate since 2006, when then-California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger made an appearance on “The Tonight Show.” Kimmel expressed concern that Carr’s new interpretation serves as a “sneaky little way” to prevent viewpoints contrary to his own from being aired.
Kimmel also questioned the necessity of such a rule given the decline in traditional broadcast viewership, stating, “Broadcast TV used to account for 100% of viewing…now it’s like 20%.” He criticized networks like Fox News, Newsmax, and One America News Network for their continuous pro-Trump programming and remarked on the uncertainty of the situation, saying, “I have no idea what the outcome of this is going to be.”
In a subsequent segment, Colbert also addressed the FCC’s decision. He humorously warned his audience about the potential repercussions of his remarks. “I got to watch what I say about Trump,” he said, eliciting boos from the crowd. Colbert read a headline from the New York Times that described the FCC’s move as a “new crackdown on late-night TV,” joking that it has “enormous implications” for him in light of CBS’s decision not to renew his show for another season.
Colbert shared that his lawyer had advised him against discussing the new rules, framing the FCC’s actions as a clear attempt to silence him and his fellow late-night hosts. He then addressed the FCC directly, humorously stating, “Hey, I’m flattered you think that appearing on my show has the power to affect politics in any way.” He concluded by reflecting on his long tenure in late-night television, suggesting that if the government had followed his ideal vision, the FCC would lack the authority to impose such regulations.
As late-night shows navigate this evolving landscape, the implications of the FCC’s enforcement of the “equal time” mandate remain to be seen. As Kimmel and Colbert continue to respond, their audiences will likely watch closely to see how this situation unfolds in the coming months.
