Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension reopens the debate over regulatory pressure on broadcasters
ABC indefinitely suspended Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show on 17 September 2025, after remarks by the comedian about political reaction to the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The decision came hours after Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chairman Brendan Carr publicly suggested possible consequences for affiliate stations that aired the show.
Legal scholars and free-speech organizations, along with figures from both parties, warned that pressure from a regulator over a show’s content could violate the First Amendment. After a wave of criticism and subscription cancellations, ABC reinstated the show on 23 September.
The case added to other episodes that year — such as Paramount’s settlement with the president in a lawsuit against CBS — that fueled concern over self-censorship at major media companies.