Here & Now Anytime Free speech advocate blames Kimmel suspension on FCC 'extortion racket’
Sep 18, 2025
A major network suspended a late-night show amid FCC pressure over controversial comments, raising questions about free speech. Legal expert Bob Corn-Revere discusses the delicate balance between censorship and corporate accountability. Congressman Seth Moulton shares his experiences with violent threats and the responsibility of leaders to address political violence. The discussion delves into the implications for First Amendment rights and the unsettling trend of increasing intimidation in political discourse.
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Affiliates Hold Real Power
- Local station owners, not networks, decide whether to air late-night shows and can preempt network programming.
- Nexstar and Sinclair pulled Jimmy Kimmel to pressure ABC amid pending FCC-related mergers.
FCC Acting As Active Regulator
- FCC Chair Brendan Carr has actively used investigations to influence media companies' behavior.
- This level of FCC involvement in programming is unprecedented in recent memory.
Public Pressure From FCC Chair
- Brendan Carr publicly praised ABC's decision and signaled further action, framing it as broadcasters 'standing up' to community interests.
- That public posture increases pressure on networks to self-censor.