TV host Jimmy Kimmel returns to show, but not on Nexstar and Sinclair affiliates

ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! in the wake of controversial remarks made by Jimmy Kimmel during a late-night monologue about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, but he will return to hosting his talk show Tuesday. However, the two largest affiliates, Nexstar and Sinclair, which combined own and operate more than 60 affiliates that reach 22% of U.S. households still plan to replace his show with news programming. 

The comments sparked swift backlash from major ABC affiliates and a sharp response from the Federal Communications Commission, raising questions about free speech, corporate risk management, and regulatory pressure.

In a September 15 monologue, Kimmel criticized what he called “the MAGA gang” for allegedly working “very hard to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them,” and accused conservatives of trying to score political points from the killing. At the time, officials had not confirmed a motive or political affiliation of the accused shooter.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr publicly condemned Kimmel’s remarks, labeling them “some of the sickest conduct possible” and warning of possible regulatory consequences for ABC and its parent company, Disney, arguing that the commentary risked misleading the public and putting broadcast licenses in jeopardy. 

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Sources:

Associated Press / Denver7 coverage (Denver 7 Colorado News (KMGH))

PBS NewsHour (PBS)

KOAT report (KOAT)