Democratic rep tells ABC, CBS to 'grow a spine' after Kimmel announces alternative Talarico interview

Rep. Ted Lieu criticized ABC and CBS for allegedly “bending the knee” to authoritarians by not airing interviews with elected officials, specifically following Jimmy Kimmel’s decision to release an interview with James Talarico on YouTube instead of television. Kimmel cited concerns about the FCC under President Trump and stated the decision was made out of consideration for local affiliates. This situation is compared to a previous instance where Stephen Colbert’s show did not air an interview with Talarico, with FCC Chairman Brendan Carr clarifying that equal-time rules could be a factor.

• Rep. Ted Lieu accused ABC and CBS of “bending the knee” to authoritarians for refusing to air interviews with elected officials.
• Jimmy Kimmel announced his interview with James Talarico would be released on YouTube instead of airing on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” due to concerns about the FCC.
• Kimmel stated his show and network had been threatened by the FCC based on guest bookings.
• The decision to move the interview to YouTube was made out of consideration for local affiliates, particularly in Texas.
• This situation is compared to a similar decision by former host Stephen Colbert not to air an interview with Talarico, which was also posted to YouTube.
• FCC Chairman Brendan Carr previously clarified that such interviews could potentially violate equal-time rules for political candidates.