Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert Announce Break With Networks, Launch “Truth News”

In a stunning development for American television, late-night host Jimmy Kimmel has declared that he is prepared to leave ABC after nearly two decades, joining forces with longtime friend and rival Stephen Colbert to launch an independent news platform.

The project, called Truth News, promises to be “uncensored, unfiltered, and constantly updated,” according to a joint statement from the two hosts. Designed to bypass corporate oversight and political influence, the platform is being described as part news channel, part investigative outlet, and part satirical commentary.

The announcement comes at a precarious moment: Kimmel has faced mounting backlash for his pointed remarks about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, remarks that triggered affiliate boycotts and scrutiny from federal regulators.

A Clash With ABC

Kimmel, who has helmed Jimmy Kimmel Live! since 2003, has long had a complicated relationship with ABC. His mix of celebrity interviews, irreverent comedy, and political satire often placed him at the center of cultural debates. But this latest controversy appears to have pushed both sides to a breaking point.

“Enough is enough,” Kimmel said Wednesday. “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.”

Industry insiders say ABC executives have struggled to contain the fallout since several affiliates in conservative states declined to air Kimmel’s show after his remarks about Kirk. While ABC has not commented officially, sources say contract negotiations with Kimmel are “at a standstill.”

Colbert Steps In

Perhaps the biggest surprise is the involvement of Colbert, host of CBS’s The Late Show. Though the two men have long been friends, they are also competitors in the late-night ratings race.

“This is bigger than comedy or ratings,” Colbert said. “It’s about building a platform where facts are not twisted by money, fear, or political power. We’re done pretending corporate networks can serve the public and shareholders at the same time.”

Colbert remains under contract with CBS, but his participation raises immediate questions about his future with the network. Media analysts say the partnership could signal a profound shift in late-night’s balance of power.

The Charlie Kirk Controversy

At the center of this storm is the assassination of Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist whose career embodied a blend of political commentary and cultural provocation. In the immediate aftermath, Kimmel criticized attempts by Kirk’s allies to distance themselves from the shooter’s apparent motives.

Kimmel accused “supporters of the corporate-business faction” of “bending over backward to paint the shooter as anyone other than one of their own.” The remark prompted furious denunciations from conservative leaders, who accused Kimmel of exploiting a tragedy and engaging in reckless rhetoric.

The reaction was swift. Several ABC affiliates refused to air Jimmy Kimmel Live! the following night. Soon after, the Federal Communications Commission hinted it might review “potentially inflammatory speech” on broadcast television — sparking a fierce national debate about free expression and censorship.

Building “Truth News”

Kimmel and Colbert say Truth News will depart sharply from the format of traditional late-night shows. Instead of a mix of monologues and celebrity guests, they envision a hybrid model: live reporting, investigative features, and satirical commentary, all delivered without editorial interference.

“There will be no advance approvals, no corporate filters,” 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 hosts have not disclosed funding or broadcast partners. But sources in the tech sector say talks are underway with several independent streaming providers eager to disrupt the dominance of legacy networks. Early indications suggest a digital-first rollout that could launch within weeks.

Risks and Rewards

For Kimmel, walking away from ABC would mean giving up one of television’s most stable and lucrative positions. Few hosts have successfully replicated their reach after leaving a broadcast platform.

Yet both he and Colbert appear undeterred. Insiders suggest the pair have been discussing a joint venture for years, frustrated by corporate constraints and wary of intensifying political scrutiny.

“This isn’t a tantrum,” Kimmel said. “It’s something that’s been building for a long time.”

A Fragmented Media Landscape

The timing of the announcement underscores how fractured the media environment has become. Conservative outlets like Fox News and Newsmax continue to dominate their markets, while younger, progressive audiences gravitate toward news-comedy hybrids like The Daily Show.

By explicitly rejecting both corporate censorship and partisan manipulation, Truth News is attempting to claim new ground. But experts caution that credibility will be difficult to maintain.

“It’s an admirable mission, but the challenge will be avoiding becoming just another partisan echo chamber,” said Dr. Renee Kaplan, a professor of media studies at NYU. “Their success will depend on whether they can hold themselves accountable, not just their opponents.”

What Comes Next

The launch of Truth News is certain to intensify scrutiny of both Kimmel and Colbert. ABC may attempt to enforce Kimmel’s contract, while CBS could seek to limit Colbert’s involvement. Lawsuits are not out of the question.

Meanwhile, audiences must decide whether they are willing to follow two late-night stalwarts from the comfort of network television into the unpredictable terrain of independent media.

Whatever the outcome, one fact is clear: Kimmel and Colbert are betting their reputations — and perhaps their legacies — on the idea that an uncensored, independent news channel can succeed where traditional networks have faltered.