Jimmy Kimmel is the latest to move a high-profile interview with Democratic Texas Senate candidate, James Talarico, to YouTube, citing threats from the FCC. The move comes as Kimmel’s show was previously taken off the air by FCC chair Brendan Carr, and Stephen Colbert faced similar issues earlier this year. Kimmel stated that posting the interview on YouTube was out of respect for local ABC affiliates, who would otherwise face ‘nonsense’ from the FCC. ABC has also filed a lawsuit against the FCC, claiming a retaliatory campaign against its networks.

These incidents highlight the growing tension between media outlets and the FCC, with talk show hosts seemingly increasingly wary of traditional TV airtime. However, the question remains: does posting content on YouTube solve the underlying issues, or does it merely shift the battleground?

The FCC’s equal time rule and its perceived interference in editorial decisions have sparked debate about the role of government in media. While the hosts try to navigate these challenges, audiences might find themselves watching more content online, rather than on traditional television.

ABC’s lawsuit against the FCC may not change the immediate situation, but it does draw attention to the ongoing issues. As the media landscape continues to evolve, the FCC’s actions will be watched closely to see if they lead to broader changes in media regulation.