Broadcaster reverses course after brief protest over host’s comments regarding the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Sinclair Broadcast Group, a major owner of ABC-affiliated stations, has ended its preemption of Jimmy Kimmel Live! and will return the late-night show to its airwaves tonight, Friday. The brief suspension began after Sinclair publicly objected to what it called “inappropriate and deeply insensitive” comments made by host Jimmy Kimmel concerning the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
In an updated statement released Friday, Sinclair announced the reversal. “Our objective throughout this process has been to ensure that programming remains accurate and engaging for the widest possible audience,” the statement said. “We take seriously our responsibility as local broadcasters to provide programming that serves the interests of our communities, while also honoring our obligations to air national network programming.”
The decision to return the show comes days after Sinclair indefinitely pulled Jimmy Kimmel Live! and, following their initial decision, ABC had reportedly suspended production of the show.
Previously, Sinclair’s Vice Chairman Jason Smith stated, “Mr. Kimmel’s remarks were inappropriate and deeply insensitive at a critical moment for our country.” The group had initially demanded Kimmel issue a direct apology to the Kirk family, make a personal donation, and commit to “formal discussions” with ABC regarding “professionalism and accountability” before the show would return.
Despite the abrupt return of the late-night program, the controversy had led Sinclair to announce a special in remembrance of Charlie Kirk. The status of this special following the decision to return Jimmy Kimmel Live! was not immediately clear.
The initial protest by Sinclair had also included a reference to recent comments from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, highlighting what the broadcaster viewed as “the critical need for the FCC to take immediate regulatory action to address control held over local broadcasters by the big national networks.”
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