Sinclair announced it will resume airing “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on its ABC affiliate stations starting Friday, following a nearly week-long suspension by Disney’s ABC network. The suspension stemmed from controversial remarks by host Jimmy Kimmel about the alleged murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and Donald Trump’s MAGA movement.
In a Friday statement, Sinclair cited “thoughtful feedback from viewers, advertisers, and community leaders” and condemned recent violence, including a shooting at an ABC affiliate in Sacramento.
“These events underscore why responsible broadcasting matters and why respectful dialogue between differing voices remains so important,” the company said.
Sinclair proposed measures like a network-wide independent ombudsman to enhance accountability and community dialogue, though ABC and Disney have not adopted these suggestions.
“We believe such measures could strengthen trust and accountability,” Sinclair noted, respecting ABC’s autonomy under affiliate agreements.
Sinclair, which operates around 40 ABC affiliates, including in Washington, D.C., and Nexstar, with about 30 in markets like Salt Lake City and New Orleans, acted independently of government influence, despite FCC Chairman Brendan Carr’s suggestion that Kimmel’s remarks could jeopardize affiliate licenses.
“Our decision to preempt this program was independent of any government interaction or influence,” Sinclair emphasized, defending its right to exercise content judgment while supporting free speech.
Kimmel addressed the preemptions during his return on Tuesday, noting, “We’re suddenly not being broadcast in 20% of the country, which is not a situation we relish.” Nexstar has not yet commented, and Disney declined to comment.