Jimmy Kimmel moves Senate interview to YouTube in latest collision with FCC

ABC late-night host Jimmy Kimmel will air an interview with Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico on YouTube instead of the network. This decision stems from increased regulatory challenges from the Republican-led Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regarding "equal time" rules for political candidates. The FCC recently ruled that talk shows are no longer exempt from these rules, which require broadcasters to offer equivalent airtime to opposing candidates. Kimmel stated that the FCC threatened his show and the network over guest bookings, a departure from decades of practice where talk shows could interview candidates without such restrictions. The interview with Talarico, who is running against Republican Ken Paxton in a closely contested Senate race, will be released on YouTube on Thursday.

Vice President Kamala Harris has indicated that a proposed $5,000 payment to US citizens, if Republicans win the midterms, would not be universally distributed and would be funded by tariff revenues. This statement comes after former President Donald Trump claimed US citizens would receive this amount. Separately, talk show host Jimmy Kimmel announced that an interview with Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico would not air on ABC due to threats from the FCC. Kimmel stated the FCC had threatened him, his show, ABC, and its affiliates over editorial decisions and guest bookings.