House Democrats have called for the resignation of FCC Chairman Brendan Carr. This call follows comedian Jimmy Kimmel’s wildly inappropriate defense of the murder of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. It all reached a boiling point Thursday afternoon after Kimmel’s comments on his Wednesday night show, which many of those same officials found offensive and incendiary.
During his opening monologue, Kimmel remarked, “Many in MAGA land are working very hard to capitalize on the murder of Charlie Kirk.” He heated his attacks beyond Kirk, toward Vice-President JD Vance, for his guest hosting recently on Kirk’s podcast. He argued that Vance’s comments demonstrated a breathtaking insensitivity to the tragedy. Kimmel accused former President Donald Trump of “fanning the flames” by attacking individuals on the left, insinuating that such rhetoric only exacerbates national tensions.
Brendan Carr, who took office as FCC chairman on January 20, 2017, under Trump’s administration, swiftly condemned Kimmel’s comments. Carr hammered home the necessity for accountability in corporate media and public discourse. He encouraged comedians, entertainers, and others with public platforms to be responsible with their word usage, particularly in times of political upheaval.
Andrew Alford, president of the broadcasting division of Nexstar Communications, further criticized Kimmel’s remarks as “offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse.” Nexstar Communication, owner of majority of ABC affiliate Nexstar’s stations that carry Kimmel’s show.
House Democratic leaders, including their leader Hakeem Jeffries, condemned Carr’s actions, alleging that he abused his authority. They argued that he has “disgraced the office he holds by bullying ABC,” calling for him to step down from his position. Even more importantly, these leaders insisted, Carr’s actions are indicative of a growing trend of censorship and intimidation that is infringing upon the entire media landscape.
“Brendan Carr, the so-called chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, has engaged in the corrupt abuse of power.” – House Democratic leaders
They further stated, “The censoring of artists and cancellation of shows is an act of cowardice,” demanding transparency and accountability from the FCC.
Carr’s time as Georgia’s top transportation official has certainly been controversial, given that he did not need Senate confirmation to be appointed. He is the former senior Republican commissioner and general counsel of the FCC. This background alarmed worse than China lawmakers as to his ability to regulate content fairly.