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Kara Swisher Calls Out FCC Chair: "He's a Moron"

May 01, 2026 / 00:58

This episode discusses the FCC's order for Disney to file early renewal applications for its ABC broadcast licenses, following a controversy involving Jimmy Kimmel and Melania Trump. The conversation highlights Disney's strong pushback against the FCC's actions, with support from various companies.

Key discussions include the implications of the FCC's order, with mentions of Trump and Melania's efforts to remove Kimmel from the air due to a joke he made. The new CEO of Disney is noted for his firm stance against these pressures.

Brenda Carr is criticized for his political motivations in this situation, and the hosts express their belief that the FCC will ultimately lose in court. They also comment on the state of late-night television and the perceived decline of comedy.

The hosts question the commitment of self-proclaimed free speech advocates, including Elon Musk, in the face of these challenges to comedy and expression.

TLDR

Disney faces FCC pressure over broadcast licenses amid Kimmel-Trump controversy.

Episode

0:58
00:00:00
The FCC has ordered Disney to file early renewal applications for its ABC owned broadcast licenses. That comes days
00:00:06
after Trump and Melania renewed a push to take Jimmy Kimmel off the air after he made a joke about Melania being an
00:00:13
expectant widow. Disney is pushing back hard. The new CEO is not having it and he's being supported by a range of
00:00:20
companies and everything else. This is a step too far for our good friend and Brenda Carr. He's a and he's
00:00:26
just such a nakedly political person who is just carrying water for the Trumps. No one is putting up with this and
00:00:32
they're going to lose. The FCC is going to lose in court. But what a harassment
00:00:36
of an American company. >> I mean, the reality is late night TV is dying without the help of Brendan Carr.
00:00:42
>> One of the things that's incredible is that these are the free speech warriors,
00:00:46
right? And I'm like, where are where's all those folk? Where's Elon?
00:00:49
>> Comedy's illegal. Remember that one? Comedy should be legal again.

Badges

This episode stands out for the following:

  • 60
    Most shocking
  • 60
    Most controversial

Episode Highlights

  • Trump and Melania Target Kimmel
    Trump and Melania push to take Jimmy Kimmel off the air after a controversial joke.
    @ 00m 06s
    May 01, 2026
  • Disney's New CEO Fights Back
    Disney's new CEO is standing firm against political pressures and support from various companies.
    @ 00m 13s
    May 01, 2026
  • Harassment of an American Company
    The FCC's actions are seen as harassment against Disney, with predictions of losing in court.
    @ 00m 36s
    May 01, 2026

Episode Quotes

  • Late night TV is dying without the help of Brendan Carr.
    Kara Swisher Calls Out FCC Chair: "He's a Moron"
  • Where's Elon?
    Kara Swisher Calls Out FCC Chair: "He's a Moron"
  • Comedy's illegal. Remember that one?
    Kara Swisher Calls Out FCC Chair: "He's a Moron"
  • Comedy should be legal again.
    Kara Swisher Calls Out FCC Chair: "He's a Moron"

Key Moments

  • Kimmel Controversy00:08
  • CEO Resistance00:13
  • Political Pressure00:28
  • Comedy Crisis00:37
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