Larson Calls on Nexstar to Stand Up to Trump Bullying Tactics and Restore Jimmy Kimmel to the Air

East Hartford, CT - Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01)sent a letterurging Nexstar Media Group to return Jimmy Kimmel Live! to the air. Last week, President Trump unsuccessfully tried to weaponize FCC authorities to pull Jimmy Kimmel off the air, threatening to revoke broadcast licenses for media outlets who do not agree with him. While ABC continues to stand by Kimmel, Nexstar is refusing to air Kimmel's showon the ABC affiliates they own, including WTNH.

"This is about more than any individual comedian. The Trump Administration has made it clear that they will attempt to use their bully pulpit to cancel and censor speech it dislikes. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr's threats and President Trump's social media posts have made it clear that the goal is not lawful regulation, but removing criticism of the President," Larson wrote.

"Nexstar is currently working to complete a $6 billion acquisition of Tegna, which is subject to approval by Chairman Carr. Their decision to remove Jimmy Kimmel Live!from your broadcast schedule raises serious concerns that decisions are being made, not in the public interest, but to secure a financial deal with an administration imposing unconstitutional conditions," Larson continued. "I urge WTNH and Nexstar to stand up to the bully tactics of the Trump Administration and reconfirm their commitment to free speech on our public airways by restoringJimmy Kimmel Live! to your broadcast schedule."

Larson's full letter to WTNH is available HEREand below:

I am writing to express my serious concern with Nexstar Media Group's decision not to air Jimmy Kimmel Live! This decision raises serious doubts regarding Nexstar's commitment to free speech and ability to serve the public.

This is about more than any individual comedian. The Trump Administration has made it clear that they will attempt to use their bully pulpit to cancel and censor speech it dislikes. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr's threats and President Trump's social media posts have made it clear that the goal is not lawful regulation, but removing criticism of the President. The Administration's tactics are simply attempts at bullying individuals and corporations to accept their demands, rather than faithfully upholding the law.

When broadcasters were entrusted with the airwaves in 1927, they were empowered to protect the free and fair flow of information to their viewers. Equally important, they were given the critical role of getting necessary information about public health and safety to their communities. Many of my constituents rely on broadcasts like yours for all their information about fires, floods, and to otherwise keep their families safe. Censoring content - like Jimmy Kimmel Live! - betrays Nexstar's obligation to provide information without fear or favor.

As you know, Nexstar is currently working to complete a $6 billion acquisition of Tegna, which is subject to approval by Chairman Carr. Their decision to remove Jimmy Kimmel Live! from your broadcast schedule raises serious concerns that decisions are being made, not in the public interest, but to secure a financial deal with an administration imposing unconstitutional conditions.

I urge WTNH and Nexstar to stand up to the bully tactics of the Trump Administration and reconfirm their commitment to free speech on our public airways by restoring Jimmy Kimmel Live! to your broadcast schedule.