"I read somewhere that 97% of TV channels are against me and report negatively, yet I easily won all 7 swing states in last year's election", former US President Donald Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on 18/9.

"We need to discuss licensing. They only report bad things about me. Maybe their licenses should be revoked. That will be up to Brendan Carr", Trump said, referring to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Commissioner Brendan Carr.

Former US President Donald Trump at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, US on 16/9. Photo: AP

Trump's comments followed Disney-owned ABC's announcement of the indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmel's talk show amid public backlash over the comedian's remarks concerning the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

On 15/9, Kimmel implied the suspect was a MAGA (Make America Great Again) Republican, despite Utah officials stating he held left-wing views. ABC pulled Jimmy Kimmel Live! after the FCC warned of action against Kimmel's statements.

FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr said on 18/9 that Kimmel's suspension "isn't the last straw". "We will continue to hold broadcasters accountable to the public interest", Carr said. "If they are unhappy with that simple proposition, they can return their licenses to the FCC".

The FCC has authority over major broadcasters like ABC and its affiliates. However, its control over cable channels like Fox News and MSNBC is limited, and it has no jurisdiction over podcasts or most streaming content.

Legal experts believe the First Amendment, which protects free speech, would prevent the FCC from revoking licenses based on political disagreements.

Kirk was shot and killed by suspect Tyler Robinson while speaking at Utah Valley University on 10/9. Robinson faces 7 charges, the most serious being aggravated murder. Utah prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.

Nguyen Tien (According to Reuters, BBC, AP)