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Trump says TV networks opposed to him should 'maybe' lose licence

September 19, 2025

of News Article President Donald Trump has suggested revoking TV network licenses following ABC's suspension of Jimmy Kimmel, who made controversial comments about the Charlie Kirk murder suspect. The suspension came after pressure from the administration, including threats of regulatory action from FCC Chair Brendan Carr, who called Kimmel's remarks "the sickest conduct possible. " This has sparked significant backlash from fellow late-night hosts, former President Barack Obama, Hollywood figures, and media unions who view it as an attack on free speech, while some conservatives have defended the actions against Kimmel as appropriate consequences for offensive commentary.

Who is affected

  • Jimmy Kimmel and the staff/writers of his show
  • ABC and its affiliate networks (particularly Nexstar Media and Sinclair)
  • Other late-night TV hosts (Stephen Colbert, Jon Stewart, Greg Gutfeld)
  • TV networks facing potential regulatory threats
  • Media companies seeking FCC approval for mergers (Nexstar seeking approval for $6.2bn merger with Tegna)
  • Viewers of late-night television programming
  • The Kirk family

What action is being taken

  • ABC has suspended Jimmy Kimmel following pressure from the Trump administration
  • Nexstar Media is refusing to air Kimmel's show "for the foreseeable future"
  • Sinclair is airing a special remembrance program for Charlie Kirk during Kimmel's time slot
  • FCC Chair Brendan Carr is threatening "additional work for the FCC" for networks that don't comply
  • Late-night hosts and public figures are speaking out against what they view as censorship
  • Hollywood trade unions (Writers Guild of America and Screen Actors Guild) are condemning the suspension

Why it matters

  • The situation represents a potential threat to First Amendment protections and free speech in media
  • It demonstrates the regulatory power the FCC holds over television networks
  • The suspension following government pressure creates a precedent for political interference in media content
  • Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Ressa has compared the situation to authoritarian tactics used in the Philippines
  • The controversy highlights deep political divisions in how free speech and media accountability are viewed
  • It raises questions about the independence of regulatory bodies like the FCC

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC