So, Can Jimmy Kimmel Sue the FCC?

"When ABC announced on September 17 that the network would pull new episodes of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the outrage that followed had less to do with fandom than the attack on First Amendment rights. ABC's decision followed FCC chair Brendan Carr's criticism of Kimmel earlier that day over the late-night host's brief commentary on far-right provocateur Charlie Kirk's killing. Carr implied that Kimmel should be suspended during a podcast appearance. "We can do this the easy way or the hard way," he told Benny Johnson, the right-wing host of The Benny Show. As Carr's comments started circulating on social media, Nexstar and Sinclair, ABC affiliates described by Deadline as the "two largest station groups," criticized Kimmel and said they would preempt his show. ABC then said it would suspend Kimmel across the United States, per CNN."

"President Donald Trump immediately celebrated Kimmel's suspension on Truth Social. "Great News for America: The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED," he wrote. "Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done. Kimmel has ZERO talent, and worse ratings than even Colbert, if that's possible." He also suggested other late-night hosts, like Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers, should lose their jobs. Trump's embrace of censorship was further established when he told reporters he wants to take licenses away from networks over negative comments about him."

ABC pulled new episodes of Jimmy Kimmel Live! after FCC chair Brendan Carr criticized Kimmel and affiliates threatened to preempt the show. Carr suggested suspension during a podcast and Nexstar and Sinclair publicly criticized Kimmel, prompting ABC to suspend the show nationwide. President Donald Trump celebrated the suspension on Truth Social and called for further firings and license revocations. The recent cancellation of Stephen Colbert's show amplified fears among writers and comedians about additional punishments. The First Amendment bars government censorship of speech, but constitutional issues arise if government officials coerce private broadcasters, potentially giving rise to lawsuits.

Read at Vulture