Local TV stations say they will not air Jimmy Kimmel Live! despite Disney-owned ABC bringing back the comedian's late-night show, one week after he was suspended for comments regarding the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Nexstar and Sinclair, which together run dozens of ABC-affiliated stations, announced they would continue to replace the show with regular programming on Tuesday.
Mr. Kimmel's remarks were inappropriate and deeply insensitive at a critical moment for our country, stated Sinclair's vice-chairman Jason Smith.
Kimmel's show was yanked off the air after his monologue on September 15 sparked outrage, during which he suggested that Trump and his allies were trying to downplay Kirk’s murder and score political points from it.
Nexstar, a major owner of TV stations in the U.S., reiterated their choice to preempt the show, citing the need for respectful dialogue.
Sinclair confirmed it would replace Kimmel's show with news programming, and ongoing discussions with ABC are evaluating the potential for the show's return.
The backlash resulted from Kimmel’s comments regarding the 22-year-old accused of killing Kirk, whom Kimmel described in a derogatory manner linked to Trump's reaction.
Disney's decision to reinstate Kimmel, after discussions around the significance of respectful conversations, ignited wider discussions about censorship and political backlash from media entities.
Critics, including many celebrities, condemned the suspension as a dark moment for free speech, while even President Trump suggested punitive measures against networks for unfavorable coverage.
The incident highlights growing tensions within the media landscape, particularly regarding how humor intersects with political commentary during pivotal moments in national discourse.
