In a dramatic escalation of an already turbulent week for American late-night television, Jimmy Kimmel has issued a bold statement declaring that he is prepared to walk away from ABC after nearly two decades on the network. Kimmel, long a fixture of late-night comedy, announced alongside his close friend and fellow host Stephen Colbert that the two will immediately launch a new, independent news platform.
The new project, which the pair are calling Truth News, is described as an “uncensored, unfiltered, and constantly updated” channel designed to bypass corporate gatekeeping and political manipulation. The announcement comes just days after Kimmel’s controversial remarks regarding the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk triggered widespread backlash, station boycotts, and regulatory scrutiny.
A Showdown With ABC
Kimmel, who has hosted Jimmy Kimmel Live! since 2003, has had a long and complicated relationship with ABC executives. While his sharp political humor has often placed him at the center of cultural debates, the latest controversy appears to have pushed both sides to a breaking point.
“Enough is enough,” Kimmel said in a joint statement with Colbert on Wednesday night. “If speaking the truth is treated as a punishable act, then it’s time to create a place where no one can silence it. We’re ready to go, with or without ABC.”
ABC has not yet commented on whether Kimmel will remain under contract, but industry insiders suggest negotiations are stalled. The network’s affiliate stations reportedly balked at airing his program after the remarks about Kirk, a development that has left ABC in crisis mode.
Colbert Joins Forces
The announcement stunned many in the industry because of Colbert’s involvement. As host of CBS’s The Late Show, Colbert is not only Kimmel’s peer but also his ratings rival. Their partnership underscores how serious both men view the current media environment.
Colbert said in the joint statement: “We have been friends for a long time, but this is bigger than comedy or ratings. This is about creating a platform where facts are not twisted by money, fear, or political power. We’re done pretending that corporate networks can serve the public and their shareholders at the same time.”
While Colbert remains under contract with CBS, his sudden involvement raises questions about how long he intends to remain in his current role. Media analysts suggest that Truth News could become a disruptive force if the two comedians-turned-commentators follow through.
The Charlie Kirk Controversy
At the center of the storm is the shooting of conservative figure Charlie Kirk, a polarizing activist known for his business-aligned political advocacy. In the immediate aftermath, Kimmel criticized efforts by Kirk’s allies to distance themselves from the shooter’s apparent motives.
Kimmel claimed that “supporters of the corporate-business faction are bending over backward to paint the shooter as anyone other than one of their own.” That comment ignited fury among Kirk’s followers and sympathetic political leaders, who accused Kimmel of “reckless rhetoric.”
Several ABC affiliates in conservative-leaning regions refused to broadcast his show following the remarks. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) also hinted at reviewing “potentially inflammatory speech” on broadcast television, sparking widespread debate over free expression and government overreach.
The Promise of “Truth News”
Kimmel and Colbert promise that their new venture will not resemble traditional late-night television. Instead, they describe Truth News as a hybrid of live reporting, investigative features, and satirical commentary — all produced without editorial interference.
“There will be no advance notices, no corporate approvals, no filter,” Colbert explained. “If something happens, we’ll talk about it. If someone lies, we’ll call it a lie. If there’s manipulation, we’ll expose it.”
The duo has not disclosed financial backers or a broadcast strategy, though early indications suggest a digital-first platform that could launch in weeks rather than months. Tech insiders say the pair has already been in talks with several independent streaming providers eager to challenge the dominance of traditional networks.
A Divided Media Landscape
The announcement feeds into an increasingly fragmented media environment, where audiences often retreat into ideological echo chambers. While conservative outlets such as Fox News and Newsmax command loyal followings, progressive viewers have historically gravitated toward comedy-infused news formats like The Daily Show or Colbert’s Late Show.
By aligning themselves explicitly against both corporate censorship and political manipulation, Kimmel and Colbert are attempting to carve out a unique space. But critics warn that even a “truth-based” platform can become partisan if it does not hold itself accountable.
“It’s an admirable goal, but the challenge will be avoiding becoming just another voice in the polarized media landscape,” said Dr. Renee Kaplan, a professor of media studies at New York University. “Their credibility will depend on whether they can report consistently, not just satirically.”
The Risk of Leaving Networks
For Kimmel, leaving ABC could mean walking away from one of the most stable and lucrative positions in television. Late-night hosts rarely surrender their platforms voluntarily, and few have managed to replicate their reach outside of broadcast.
Yet both Kimmel and Colbert seem undeterred. Insiders say the duo has been quietly discussing a project like Truth News for years, fueled by frustration over corporate constraints and political backlash.
“This isn’t a tantrum,” Kimmel told reporters. “It’s a decision that has been building for a long time. And now we’re ready.”
What Comes Next
The timing of the announcement, amid an ongoing national debate about media responsibility and free speech, could not be more consequential. With trust in mainstream media at historic lows, the prospect of two late-night giants launching their own uncensored news venture is certain to shake the industry.
For now, questions remain: Will ABC attempt to enforce Kimmel’s contract? Will CBS try to restrain Colbert’s involvement? And most importantly, will audiences follow them from the comfort of late-night comedy into the uncharted territory of independent news?
Regardless of the answers, the message is clear: Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert have declared war on censorship, corporate influence, and media manipulation. And they are betting that a new channel built on raw, unfiltered reporting can succeed where traditional networks have failed.
