Late-night television hosts Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert have publicly criticized the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for its recent decision to enforce the “equal time” mandate on their shows. This regulation requires networks to provide equal airtime to opposing political candidates. Both hosts described the agency’s actions as a “crackdown” aimed at suppressing their platforms, with Kimmel specifically referring to it as an attempt to “stifle” their content.
In a monologue on March 15, 2024, Kimmel addressed the FCC’s notice, which he claims aligns with former President Donald Trump‘s ongoing “war on talk shows.” He noted that Trump expressed concerns about the FCC’s intentions on his platform, Truth Social, suggesting that the agency’s leadership is working to complicate interviews with politicians. Kimmel took aim at FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, labeling him “Brendan Cartel” and arguing that the commission is “reinterpreting long-agreed-upon rules to stifle us.”
Kimmel elaborated on the historical context of the “equal time” mandate, explaining that it originated when radio was the primary medium for broadcasts. The mandate was later extended to television. He indicated that since 2006, late-night shows have operated under an exemption granted to news networks, which was established following an appearance by former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on “The Tonight Show.” Kimmel criticized Carr for attempting to remove this exemption, labeling it a “sneaky little way” to restrict diverse viewpoints from being aired.
The host raised questions about the relevance of these rules in an era where broadcast television viewership is declining. “Broadcast TV used to account for 100% of viewing; now it’s like 20%,” he noted. He pointed to networks like Fox News and Newsmax that are actively promoting content supportive of Trump, suggesting that the FCC is misdirecting its focus on talk shows rather than addressing the larger media landscape.
Colbert addressed the FCC’s decision on the same evening, bringing humor to the situation. He remarked, “I got to watch what I say about Trump because Johnny Law is once again coming after yours truly here,” eliciting jeers from the audience. He referenced a headline from the New York Times that described the FCC’s actions as a “new crackdown on late-night TV,” quipping that it has “enormous implications for me for four more months,” referencing CBS’s decision not to renew his show for an additional season.
In a playful yet pointed manner, Colbert expressed concern about how the new rules might affect him and his colleagues. He humorously addressed the FCC directly, saying, “Hey, I’m flattered you think that appearing on my show has the power to affect politics in any way…I’ve been doing this job for 21 years, and let me tell you something, buddy, if our government had turned out the way I had chosen, you would not have the power to make this announcement.”
Both Kimmel and Colbert’s responses highlight a growing tension between regulatory bodies and the entertainment industry. Their critiques underscore not only the implications of the FCC’s directive but also the broader conversation about freedom of expression in media. As late-night shows continue to navigate these new challenges, the impact on their format and content remains to be seen.
