Sinclair Broadcast Group, a major owner of ABC-affiliated stations, has indefinitely preempted Jimmy Kimmel Live! and will air a special in remembrance of the recently assassinated Charlie Kirk.
The move comes after Sinclair publicly objected to what it called “inappropriate and deeply insensitive” comments made by Kimmel.
In a statement released Wednesday, Sinclair said it had discussed the issue with ABC and decided to remove the late-night show from its broadcast schedule immediately. Following this decision, suspended production of Jimmy Kimmel Live! RELATED: ABC Boots ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ Indefinitely Following Comments On Charlie Kirk’s Death
“Mr. Kimmel’s remarks were inappropriate and deeply insensitive at a critical moment for our country,” said Jason Smith, Vice Chairman of Sinclair. “We believe broadcasters have a responsibility to educate and elevate respectful, constructive dialogue in our communities.”
Sinclair’s statement also echoed recent comments from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, who called for the FCC to take regulatory action to address the control national networks have over local broadcasters.
The special, a tribute to Charlie Kirk, is scheduled to air on Sinclair’s ABC stations this Friday during the Jimmy Kimmel Live! timeslot. Sinclair also plans to broadcast the special across all its stations over the weekend and is making it available to other ABC affiliates nationwide.
Sinclair has stated it will not resume airing Jimmy Kimmel Live! on its stations until “formal discussions are held with ABC regarding the network’s commitment to professionalism and accountability.”
The broadcast group is also demanding that Kimmel issue a direct apology to the Kirk family and make a personal donation to the family and to Turning Point USA.
The company’s statement concluded that it will not bring the show back to its airwaves until it is “confident that appropriate steps have been taken to uphold the standards expected of a national broadcast platform.”
READ: Georgia’s MTG Shreds Texas Rep. Crockett’s Claim That The Alleged Kirk Assassin Was “MAGA”
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