"Broadcast Giant Sidelines Kimmel, Demands Apology and Donation to Honor Conservative Activist"

Sinclair Broadcast Group has indefinitely suspended the broadcast of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" across its ABC affiliate stations and will replace the show's Friday timeslot with a tribute to conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The decision, announced on September 17, 2025, follows recent remarks by Kimmel regarding the assassination of Kirk, a prominent advocate for free speech and conservative values in educational institutions.

Sinclair, the largest ABC affiliate group in the United States, stated that Kimmel's comments were "inappropriate and deeply insensitive at a critical moment for our country". The company called on Kimmel to issue a direct apology to the Kirk family and to make a "meaningful personal donation" to the Kirk family and Turning Point USA, the nonprofit organization founded by Kirk in 2012. Turning Point USA has been active in promoting conservative political discourse on high school and university campuses across the country.

In a statement, Sinclair’s Vice Chairman Jason Smith emphasized the responsibility of broadcasters to "educate and elevate respectful, constructive dialogue in our communities" and praised FCC Chairman Brendan Carr for his remarks. Smith further noted that the incident "highlights the critical need for the FCC to take immediate regulatory action to address control held over local broadcasters by the big national networks". This sentiment aligns with previous criticism from media watchdogs who argue that Sinclair and other large media companies have a politically conservative tilt.

The decision to replace Kimmel’s show with a tribute to Kirk also reflects a broader strategic shift by Sinclair, which has previously announced a "comprehensive strategic review" of its broadcast business. The company has indicated that it will not return "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" to its airwaves until it is "confident that appropriate steps have been taken to uphold the standards expected of a national broadcast platform". Sinclair also extended an offer to all ABC affiliates across the country to air the tribute special.

The controversy surrounding Kimmel’s remarks intensified after FCC Chairman Brendan Carr suggested that ABC and Kimmel could face regulatory consequences for what Carr described as a "pattern of news distortion." Carr emphasized the FCC's authority to enforce the "public interest" standard, a broad regulatory framework that requires broadcasters to serve the public's needs, including respect for community values and diverse viewpoints. Carr’s remarks prompted Nexstar, another major ABC affiliate owner, to also pull Kimmel’s show from its stations.

Critics of the suspension, including media advocacy groups and political leaders, have accused the FCC of overstepping its role and engaging in "federal censorship." They argue that the suspension of Kimmel’s show represents a dangerous precedent that could threaten free speech and journalistic independence. Meanwhile, supporters of the decision argue that it is in the public interest to prioritize respectful discourse during times of national significance.

Sinclair has not ruled out the possibility of resuming the broadcast of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" if the network demonstrates a renewed commitment to professionalism and accountability. However, the company has indicated that it will not lift the suspension of the show until formal discussions are held with ABC. The situation underscores the complex relationship between national networks, local affiliates, and regulatory bodies in the U.S. broadcasting landscape.