The return of Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night talk show has encountered complications as two ABC affiliates have decided not to lift the suspension.
The popular show hosted by Jimmy Kimmel faced backlash following Kimmel’s remarks about the assassination of Charlie Kirk, where he also made light of former President Donald Trump’s reaction to the activist’s death.
Subsequent to these remarks, ABC placed an ‘indefinite’ suspension on the show, prompting mixed reactions. Some viewed it as an infringement on free speech, while others felt the suspension was justified. However, less than a week later, Disney announced the show’s return.
Disney, which owns ABC, released a statement on September 22, saying, “Last Wednesday, we made the decision to suspend production on the show to avoid further inflaming a tense situation at an emotional moment for our country.
“It is a decision we made because we felt some of the comments were ill-timed and thus insensitive. We have spent the last days having thoughtful conversations with Jimmy, and after those conversations, we reached the decision to return the show on Tuesday (23 September).”
However, Sinclair Inc., an ABC affiliate, has announced it will not air Jimmy Kimmel Live!.
The company released a statement: “Beginning Tuesday night, Sinclair will be preempting Jimmy Kimmel Live! across our ABC affiliate stations and replacing it with news programming.
“Discussions with ABC are ongoing as we evaluate the show’s potential return.”
Sinclair further stated that the suspension would not be lifted until ‘formal discussions are held with ABC regarding the network’s commitment to professionalism and accountability’.
Additionally, Sinclair requested that Kimmel issue a direct apology to the Kirk family and make a ‘meaningful personal donation’ to the Kirk family and Turning Point USA.
In a statement, Sinclair said: “Regardless of ABC’s plans for the future of the program, Sinclair intends not to return Jimmy Kimmel Live! to our air until we are confident that appropriate steps have been taken to uphold the standards expected of a national broadcast platform.”
Nexstar has also confirmed it will not air the show.
This decision by both companies affects nearly a quarter of ABC’s affiliate reach.
Nexstar justified its decision in another statement, emphasizing: “We made a decision last week to preempt Jimmy Kimmel Live! following what ABC referred to as Mr. Kimmel’s ‘ill-timed and insensitive’ comments at a critical time in our national discourse.
“We stand by that decision pending assurance that all parties are committed to fostering an environment of respectful, constructive dialogue in the markets we serve.”
Despite this, Nexstar noted that the show will still be accessible nationwide via Disney-owned streaming platforms.
ABC has been approached for comment regarding this situation.