UPDATE: In a surprising turn of events, FCC Chair Brendan Carr has taken to social media to celebrate the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, following a controversial decision by ABC on September 27, 2023. Carr’s bold action comes after he threatened to revoke ABC’s broadcasting license over remarks made by Kimmel regarding the murder of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk.
Carr claimed Kimmel perpetuated a “narrative” suggesting the murder suspect was motivated by MAGA or Republican ideologies. This prompted a heated interview with MAGA YouTuber Benny Johnson, during which Carr expressed his concerns. Just hours later, ABC confirmed it was pausing Kimmel’s show, igniting a firestorm of reactions across social media.
In an apparent celebration of the decision, Carr shared a meme from the popular NBC sitcom The Office, depicting characters Michael Scott and Dwight Schrute performing a “raise the roof” gesture. This post was highlighted by CNN media analyst Brian Stelter, who noted Carr’s commentary following ABC’s announcement. Johnson chimed in, stating, “This is me and Brendan Carr right now.”
Carr expressed gratitude towards Nexstar, the company managing ABC-affiliated stations, for its commitment to community values. “Local broadcasters have an obligation to serve the public interest,” Carr stated. “While this may be an unprecedented decision, it is important for broadcasters to push back on Disney programming that they determine falls short of community values.” He called on other broadcasters to follow Nexstar’s lead, emphasizing the significance of this moment in television history.
The suspension of Kimmel’s show raises critical questions about the boundaries of free speech and the role of broadcasting networks in shaping public discourse. As the situation develops, viewers and media analysts alike are watching closely to see how this decision will impact the late-night television landscape and the ongoing conversation surrounding political commentary in media.
What happens next? The media world is abuzz with speculation on whether Kimmel will address the suspension directly on his show or through social media. As discussions about broadcasting regulations and content responsibility heat up, this story is far from over. Stay tuned for further updates as this situation evolves.
