United States of America - September 2025

On 17 September, Brendan Carr, Chair of the Federal Communications Commission, made an implied threat to fine or revoke the licenses of the ABC network’s affiliate stations, over a monologue by comedian Jimmy Kimmel. The monologue at issue referred to reaction among conservative politicians to the assassination of Charlie Kirk and to the possible political affiliation of the suspect. The same day, the ABC network issued a statement announcing the suspension of Kimmel’s show. The network reinstated his show days later after public outcry and criticism from politicians, including some Republican lawmakers. Mr. Carr later denied having a role in the suspension, which he characterized as a business decision by Kimmel’s employer.

Sources: The New York Times, CNN, Brookings, The Guardian