Jimmy Kimmel Live! cancelled: Who is Brendan Carr? FCC Chairman who threatened ABC with 'license revocation'

ABC has suspended Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show indefinitely after remarks the host made about conservative activist Charlie Kirk ’s killing drew outrage and prompted a stark warning from the head of the Federal Communications Commission.

Kimmel, who has helmed Jimmy Kimmel Live ! since 2003, angered conservatives this week with monologues linking Kirk’s assassin to Donald Trump’s supporters. “The MAGA gang (is) desperately trying to characterise this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and (doing) everything they can to score political points from it,” Kimmel told viewers on Monday.

On Wednesday, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr threatened consequences for stations that continued to broadcast Kimmel. “I think it’s past time these (affiliates) themselves push back... and say, ‘Listen, we’re not going to run Kimmel anymore until you straighten this out because we’re running the possibility of license revocation from the FCC,’” Carr said on a podcast. He added: “We can do this the easy way or the hard way. These companies can find ways to change conduct and take action, frankly, on Kimmel or there’s going to be additional work for the FCC ahead.”

President Trump praised the suspension, writing on Truth Social: “Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done.”

Who is Brendan Carr?
Brendan Carr, a longtime communications lawyer and regulator, has emerged as one of Trump’s most trusted appointees in Washington.

• Current role: Chairman of the FCC, confirmed unanimously by the Senate three times.
• Experience: Former FCC General Counsel and legal advisor under Commissioner Ajit Pai.
• Policy focus: Known as the FCC’s “5G crusader,” he pushed reforms to accelerate high-speed network buildouts.
• Career path: Previously worked at law firm Wiley Rein LLP and clerked for Judge Dennis Shedd on the U.S. Court of Appeals.
• Education: BA in Government from Georgetown University; JD magna cum laude from Catholic University’s Columbus School of Law.
• Political ties: Frequent Fox News guest and ally of conservative groups such as the Heritage Foundation and Federalist Society.
• Trump connection: Appointed chair in January, with Trump calling him “a warrior for Free Speech.”