Jimmy Kimmel Ready to Leave ABC, Teams Up with Stephen Colbert to Launch Unfiltered “Truth News” Channel

In a bold and unexpected move that has already sent shockwaves through the world of American late-night television, Jimmy Kimmel has declared his readiness to leave ABC after nearly 20 years. Kimmel, who has been a prominent figure in late-night comedy, made this announcement alongside his close friend and fellow host, Stephen Colbert. Together, they revealed plans to launch a new, independent news platform called Truth News.

The new initiative, described as an “uncensored, unfiltered, and continually updated” channel, aims to break free from corporate constraints and political bias. This announcement comes just days after Kimmel’s controversial comments regarding the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, which sparked widespread backlash, boycotts from TV stations, and increased scrutiny from regulators.

A Tense Stand-Off with ABC

Kimmel, the long-time host of Jimmy Kimmel Live! since 2003, has had a turbulent relationship with ABC executives. While his political satire has often been the focal point of national debates, this latest controversy seems to have pushed both sides to the brink.

In a statement shared with Colbert on Wednesday night, Kimmel said, “If telling the truth is treated like a crime, it’s time to create a platform where no one can silence it. We’re ready to go, with or without ABC.”

While ABC has not yet commented on Kimmel’s contract status, insiders suggest that negotiations have stalled. After Kimmel’s remarks about Kirk, several ABC affiliate stations, particularly those in conservative regions, reportedly refused to air his program, putting the network into crisis mode.

Colbert Joins Forces with Kimmel

What stunned many was Colbert’s involvement in the new project. As host of The Late Show on CBS, Colbert is not only Kimmel’s peer but also his competitor in the ratings game. Their decision to team up underscores how serious both men are about confronting the current media landscape.

In their joint statement, Colbert said, “We’ve been friends for a long time, but this is about more than just comedy or ratings. We’re building a platform where facts won’t be twisted by money, fear, or political agendas. We’re done pretending that corporate networks can serve both the public and their shareholders.”

While Colbert is still under contract with CBS, the announcement raises questions about how long he intends to stay in his current role. Industry analysts speculate that Truth News could disrupt the media environment if the two hosts-turned-commentators follow through with their plans.

The Charlie Kirk Controversy

The controversy at the heart of this shake-up revolves around the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, a figure known for his outspoken political views aligned with business interests. In the aftermath of the incident, Kimmel made critical remarks about Kirk’s allies trying to downplay the shooter’s motives.

Kimmel accused those aligned with the corporate-business sector of attempting to paint the shooter as someone unrelated to their cause. His comments sparked intense backlash, especially from Kirk’s supporters and political figures, who labeled Kimmel’s words as “reckless.”

As a result, several ABC affiliates in conservative areas refused to air his program. Meanwhile, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) hinted at reviewing potentially inflammatory language on broadcast television, raising concerns about free speech and government regulation.

What is “Truth News”?

Kimmel and Colbert have promised that Truth News will be anything but traditional late-night television. They envision it as a blend of live news reporting, investigative journalism, and satirical commentary, all produced without corporate or editorial interference.

Colbert elaborated, “There will be no pre-approvals, no corporate filters. If something happens, we’ll report on it. If someone lies, we’ll call them out. If there’s manipulation, we’ll expose it.”

While the duo has yet to reveal any financial backers or details on how the platform will be distributed, early reports suggest that it will be a digital-first project, likely launching within weeks. Tech insiders hint that Kimmel and Colbert have been in talks with independent streaming providers looking to challenge the established networks.

The Shifting Media Landscape

The launch of Truth News is a reflection of the growing fragmentation within the media landscape. While conservative networks like Fox News and Newsmax enjoy strong, loyal followings, progressive audiences have gravitated toward comedy-driven news formats, such as The Daily Show or Colbert’s Late Show.

By positioning themselves against both corporate censorship and political manipulation, Kimmel and Colbert aim to carve out a distinctive niche. However, critics caution that even a “truth-based” platform could become another partisan voice if it fails to maintain objectivity.

Dr. Renee Kaplan, a media studies professor at New York University, pointed out, “The goal is noble, but the real challenge will be ensuring they don’t become just another player in the polarized media environment. Their credibility will hinge on their ability to consistently report, not just provide satire.”

The Risks of Leaving the Networks

For Kimmel, leaving ABC could mean sacrificing one of the most stable and lucrative roles in television. Late-night hosts rarely walk away from such prominent platforms, and few manage to replicate the success they have with traditional networks.

Nonetheless, both Kimmel and Colbert seem resolute. Industry sources report that the two have been privately discussing a project like Truth News for years, fueled by their frustrations with corporate restrictions and political pressures.

Kimmel told reporters, “This isn’t a tantrum. It’s a decision we’ve been working toward for a long time. And now, we’re ready.”

What’s Next?

The timing of the announcement, amidst an ongoing national conversation about media responsibility and free speech, is crucial. With mainstream media trust at an all-time low, the idea of two late-night icons launching an independent, uncensored news platform is bound to make waves.

There are still many unanswered questions: Will ABC try to enforce Kimmel’s contract? Will CBS restrain Colbert’s involvement? And perhaps most importantly, will audiences follow Kimmel and Colbert from late-night comedy to this new, uncharted realm of independent news?

One thing is clear: Kimmel and Colbert have declared a fight against censorship, corporate influence, and media manipulation. And they are betting that a platform built on raw, unfiltered journalism can thrive where traditional networks have fallen short.