Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert criticised the FCC’s decision to enforce the “equal time” rule on their shows, arguing it stifles free speech.

Late-night hosts Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert responded to the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) decision to enforce its 'equal time' mandate on their talk shows, labeling the move as a 'crackdown' and a bid to 'stifle' their speech. The rule, which requires networks to provide equal time to opposing political candidates, is part of the Federal Communications Act. Kimmel and Colbert questioned the relevance of the rule in an era where broadcast TV viewership is declining and labeled it as a bid to stifle their speech. The FCC's decision removes the news exemption from talk shows, which was previously granted since 2006.