FCC Chair Brendan Carr Defends ABC Affiliates Amid Jimmy Kimmel Show Suspension Dispute

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has defended the decision by ABC affiliates, including Sinclair Broadcasting Group and Nexstar, to preempt Jimmy Kimmel's show following its suspension and subsequent reinstatement by Disney after Kimmel's controversial comments about the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Carr accused Democrats of engaging in "projection and distortion," claiming they have historically weaponized government to silence dissent and are now unfairly blaming Disney and local TV stations for the suspension. He praised local stations for asserting their public interest obligations by pushing back against national programmers, arguing this empowerment benefits local communities. Carr also dismissed bipartisan criticism that he threatened regulatory action against ABC and its affiliates as a political ploy. The controversy intensified after Democratic senators called for Carr to testify regarding his alleged role in pressuring for Kimmel's firing. Despite the backlash, Disney reinstated Kimmel's show, but some local stations like Sinclair continue to withhold it amid ongoing negotiations.