FCC Shakeup: Kimmel Suspension Sparks Controversy

Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr clarified on Monday that the suspension of late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel was not influenced by government pressure, but rather due to Kimmel's ratings. This statement was made amidst a storm of criticism following Carr's earlier comments suggesting Kimmel's suspension over remarks about conservative activist Charlie Kirk's assassination.

Lawmakers criticized Carr's initial statements urging Disney and ABC affiliates to suspend Kimmel. Despite suspension threats, Disney confirmed Kimmel's return to the air, citing the need to de-escalate a tense national moment. ABC had removed Kimmel from the schedule after Carr suggested repercussions for broadcasters airing his show.

This situation sparked broader discussions on government involvement in broadcasting decisions, highlighted by a celebratory response from Carr to ABC's suspension using a dancing GIF. U.S. Senator Ted Cruz likened Carr's tactics to those used in the film 'Goodfellas,' and Democratic FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez condemned the apparent intervention.

(With inputs from agencies.)