ABC-affiliated stations operated by Sinclair Broadcasting and Nexstar Media Group will resume airing “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” tonight, following a recent announcement from the companies. Initially, both broadcasters had halted the show’s broadcast after Disney, the owner of ABC, lifted a week-long suspension stemming from remarks made by the late-night host in a monologue about the shooting death of Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist.
The return of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” will see the show back on Nexstar’s ABC affiliates in 28 cities, as well as on the 38 stations under Sinclair. In a press release on Friday, Sinclair emphasized its commitment to ensuring engaging and accurate programming for a broad audience, asserting that their decision was made independently without external influence, and was in alignment with the principles of free speech.
Shortly after Sinclair’s announcement, Nexstar also confirmed its decision to resume airing the show, citing its dedication to upholding free speech values. Prior to ABC’s suspension of Kimmel’s show, both Sinclair and Nexstar had preempted its broadcast on their respective stations. Sinclair had criticized Kimmel’s comments and stated that discussions with ABC were necessary before the show’s suspension could be lifted.
Before the suspension, Brendan Carr, the chair of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC), warned local broadcasters about potential fines or license revocation for airing Kimmel’s show. Together, Sinclair and Nexstar represent approximately 25% of all ABC affiliates.
Upon his return on Tuesday, Kimmel addressed the controversy, defending the right to free speech and expressing remorse for any offense caused by his remarks about Kirk. Despite not airing on the two major broadcast groups, Kimmel’s return garnered over 6.26 million viewers on Tuesday. On YouTube, his opening monologue from that night amassed more than 21.9 million views by Friday afternoon.
Opinions on Kimmel’s suspension varied, with support from several late-night hosts and concerns raised by viewers regarding free speech implications. While voices on both sides of the political spectrum weighed in, calls for a boycott and demands for a more substantial apology were also voiced. Despite the mixed reactions, Kimmel’s return has sparked significant viewership and discussion surrounding freedom of speech.
(Source: Adapted from a CBC article)
