FCC Chair Brendan Carr Defends Comments on Jimmy Kimmel’s Ratings

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Brendan Carr has defended his recent remarks regarding the ratings of Jimmy Kimmel Live. During a forum held in New York on October 16, 2023, Carr stated that Kimmel’s current situation is solely due to his show’s ratings, not influenced by any federal government actions.

Last week, Carr called on Disney and its local affiliates to reconsider their broadcasting of Kimmel’s show, suggesting that the network could choose “the easy way or the hard way” in response to concerns raised by some lawmakers. His comments have drawn significant criticism, particularly from a growing number of Senate Republicans. They argue that his statements could be interpreted as a form of pressure on Disney.

Carr reiterated his stance, emphasizing that Kimmel’s viewership is the critical factor affecting the show’s future. “Jimmy Kimmel is in the situation that he is in because of his ratings, not because of anything that’s happened at the federal government level,” Carr said. This assertion seeks to clarify that any decisions made by Disney or ABC affiliates are independent of government influence.

The controversy surrounding Carr’s comments highlights a broader discussion about the relationship between government entities and media organizations. Critics contend that the FCC’s role should remain separate from the programming decisions made by private companies, to ensure that creative expression is not stifled by potential government overreach.

As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how Disney and ABC will respond to the FCC chair’s remarks. The situation serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between regulatory oversight and the autonomy of media organizations in a rapidly evolving entertainment landscape.