Jimmy Kimmel announced that his interview with James Talarico, a Democratic candidate for the Texas Senate, will not be broadcast on his show but will instead be available on YouTube. During his monologue on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Kimmel expressed that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued threats to himself, his show, ABC, and their affiliates. He emphasized concerns over editorial decisions, and guest bookings that the FCC seemingly opposes.

His [President Donald Trump’s] FCC has threatened me, threatened our show, threatened our network, ABC, our affiliates, our local stations, based on simple, traditional editorial decisions, guest bookings it would seem they don’t like, Kimmel shared.

The decision to not air the interview on television aimed to protect ABC stations from potential FCC repercussions. Kimmel stated, Out of consideration for our local stations, especially our ABC affiliates in Texas who would have to deal with this nonsense, my interview tomorrow with James Talarico will not air on television, noting that it will be uploaded to YouTube instead.

Previously, CBS host Stephen Colbert experienced similar issues over the FCC’s “equal time” rules, opting to post his interview with Talarico online after CBS initially restricted its television airing.

In his comments, Kimmel mentioned that Republicans are increasingly anxious ahead of the upcoming midterm elections, fearing the possible loss of a Senate seat in Texas. Polls indicate Talarico holds a slight edge over the Republican opponent, Ken Paxton. Democrats are keen on winning seats to gain control of the Senate from the Republicans.

Kimmel reflected on past political interviews he conducted with figures from various affiliations, including Donald Trump, noting the change in the FCC’s stance since Trump became president. Kimmel remarked, His FCC has threatened me, threatened our show, threatened our network, ABC, our affiliates, our local stations based on simple, traditional editorial decisions, guest bookings it would seem they don’t like, adding that the show will use YouTube as a platform for Talarico’s interview.

So if you want to learn about a candidate for the Senate tomorrow, you will have to go to the Jimmy Kimmel Live! YouTube channel, where you will see it in its entirety, Kimmel said, urging viewers to register and vote in the upcoming elections, highlighting the importance of participation.