FCC's Trump-Era License Threats: Jimmy Kimmelâs New Censorship Show
At the Axios Media Trends Live event on September 18, 2025, FCCâs lone Democrat Anna Gomez threw sombra-chucking shade at Trump appointee Brendan Carr, accusing him of 'weaponizing licensing' to scare broadcasters like ABC over Jimmy Kimmelâs hot mic after Charlie Kirkâs tragic death. Gomez called Carrâs move a 'campaign of censorship'âa Netflix drama nobody asked forâbut reminded everyone the FCC doesnât have the constitutional superpower to yank licenses because someone flopped a joke. Carrâs got broadcasters sweating worse than Black Mirror season finales, since licenses are 'extremely valuable,' and the mere threat of enforcement feels like a digital leash. Itâs government vs. late-night laughs, and spoiler: the FCC isnât funny.
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FCC under Trump fancies itself broadcast bouncer, threatening to pull ABCâs license for Kimmel jokes, as if free speech is another subscription to cancel. Sorry, broadcastersâbrace for notes like a scared high schooler at detention.
Brendan Carrâs FCC is playing broadcast mafia, but instead of whacking knees, theyâre threatening licenses over Jimmy Kimmelâs comedy. License to thrill? More like license to chill out, thanks.
When your broadcast license is worth more than Bitcoin but comes with a side of Trumpâs censorship specialâcongratulations, youâre in FCC reality TV. Spoiler alert: itâs a horror show for free speech.
Source: Axios | Published: 9/18/2025 | Author: Christine Wang
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