By Emily Kaine

Copyright smh

Trump has threatened TV networks over criticism of him on late-night talk shows, suggesting that networks may stand to lose their broadcasting licences for speaking out against him.

The Democrats yesterday launched an investigation into the ABC’s decision to take Jimmy Kimmel off-air indefinitely over remarks the host made about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Trump supported the decision, saying on Thursday that the comedian was “not a talented person” who “had very bad ratings”.

The decision sparked an outcry from free speech advocates, Hollywood unions and the Democrats, who accused Carr, the Federal Communications Commission chair, of a “corrupt abuse of power” by coercing ABC to appease Trump. The president’s distaste for Kimmel and other late-night hosts is well known.

Flying home from a state visit to the United Kingdom, Trump told reporters on Air Force One that Carr would decide whether networks should have their licences revoked over their coverage of the president.

Kimmel has yet to comment publicly on the ABC’s decision.