Mutiny: Sinclair Broadcasting Made Demands

Sinclair, Inc., the largest owner of ABC affiliates in the U.S. (operating around 30 ABC stations across 81 markets), escalated the situation by announcing it would preempt "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" indefinitely on its stations starting Wednesday. 

The company, known for its conservative-leaning editorial content and past controversies over mandating right-wing talking points on local news, stated that ABC's suspension was "not enough" to resolve the issue. 

In a press release issued on September 17, 2025, Sinclair outlined specific demands before it would resume airing the show:

• Formal discussions with ABC: Sinclair insists on high-level talks with ABC executives to ensure the network recommits to "professionalism and accountability" in its programming. This includes broader assurances against future "insensitive" content.
• Apology from Kimmel: A direct, on-air apology specifically to the Kirk family (noting that Kimmel's joke did not explicitly target the family, but Sinclair demands it anyway as a gesture of remorse).
• Donation to Turning Point USA and the Kirk Family: Sinclair called for Kimmel to make a "meaningful personal donation" to both the Kirk family and TPUSA, the nonprofit organization Kirk co-founded in 2012. TPUSA focuses on promoting conservative values on college campuses and has grown significantly, with over 2,100 active chapters and 54,000 charter requests reported recently.  The amount of the donation was left unspecified, but it's framed as a way for Kimmel to support Kirk's legacy and the organization's work.

Sinclair also announced it would replace Kimmel's Friday night timeslot on its ABC stations with a special "remembrance" program honoring Charlie Kirk. This tribute will air across all Sinclair stations over the weekend, positioning the company as a defender of conservative values.

This move aligns with actions by another major ABC affiliate owner, Nexstar Media Group, which also pulled the show from its stations. FCC Chairman Carr praised both Sinclair and Nexstar on Fox News, calling their decisions a "necessary step" against late-night shows that he accused of bias.