Sen Markey Seeks Testimony From FCC Chairman Carr

On September 25, 2025, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr wrote to Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) regarding the decision by local TV stations to preempt Disney’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! and Disney’s decision to suspend temporarily production of that program. Chairman Carr said, "the claim by some that the FCC threatened to revoke broadcast licenses if Disney did not fire Jimmy Kimmel is simply incorrect.  My remarks themselves, the companies’ own statements, and the detailed reporting that has come to light all make this entirely clear." In response, Sen Markey sent a letter to Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-TX) urging Sen. Cruz "to bring Carr before the Senate Commerce Committee for an oversight hearing as soon as possible." Sen Markey noted that he asked Chairman Carr 1) how the FCC defines the "public interest" standard, 2)  whether it includes an ideological neutrality test, 3) whether Carr, his staff, or any FCC staff communicated with Disney, ABC, or their affiliates about Kimmel’s monologue, and 4) asked Chairman Carr to explain what he meant when he stated, “We could do this the easy way or the hard way,” including what he meant by “easy way” or “hard way.” Sen Markey said that "Carr ignored all these questions."