Jimmy Kimmel Fights Back Against FCC Jimmy Kimmel equal time rule 2026

Is late-night comedy still a safe haven for satire? Jimmy Kimmel just threw a haymaker at the FCC, claiming a new policy is a calculated attempt to silence his voice. During his monologue on January 22, 2026, the comedian slammed FCC Chair Brendan Carr, accusing him of "doing everything he can to shut us up."

The FCC Jimmy Kimmel equal time rule 2026 Controversy

The dispute centers on the FCC's recent reinterpretation of the "equal time rule." According to reports from Entertainment Weekly, the agency issued new guidance on Wednesday stating that talk shows and late-night programs are no longer considered "bona fide" news programs. This change means shows like Jimmy Kimmel Live! must now provide equal airtime to every political candidate running for the same office if they host one.

Kimmel argued that this rule is a relic of the Radio Act of 1927. While it was designed to prevent broadcast monopolies in an era with only three networks, Kimmel noted it's absurd in today's landscape of streaming, podcasts, and social media. "They're reinterpreting long-agreed-upon rules to stifle us," Kimmel said, pointing out that in 2006, the FCC ruled that Arnold Schwarzenegger's appearance on The Tonight Show was exempt.

Uneven Playing Field in the Modern Media Age

Kimmel didn't hold back on the perceived hypocrisy of the move. He highlighted that conservative outlets like Fox News, Newsmax, and One America News aren't subject to the same scrutiny because they don't use public airwaves. Meanwhile, President Trump reportedly amplified the news on social media, signaling his support for the FCC's crackdown on late-night critics.