Jimmy Kimmel
ABC Affiliates Push Back: Nexstar and Sinclair Preempt Jimmy Kimmel Over Charlie Kirk Comments
Nexstar Media Group, one of the largest television station operators in the United States, announced that its ABC affiliates would indefinitely preempt Jimmy Kimmel Live! beginning September 17, 2025. The move comes after host Jimmy Kimmel made remarks about the assassination of conservative leader Charlie Kirk. Nexstar stated that Kimmel’s comments were offensive, insensitive, and harmful to the national political conversation. (RELATED NEWS: Kimmel’s Italian Citizenship: Turning Away From America) According to Nexstar President Andrew Alford, continuing to air Kimmel would undermine the company’s commitment to respectful and constructive dialogue. Instead of broadcasting the late-night show, Nexstar affiliates will replace it with other programming more consistent with the values of their local communities. Sinclair Follows and Escalates Just hours later, Sinclair Broadcast Group, the nation’s largest ABC affiliate operator, issued its own announcement. Sinclair said it would also indefinitely preempt Jimmy Kimmel Live! across its stations. But Sinclair went a step further, calling on ABC and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to take additional action. Vice Chairman Jason Smith emphasized that broadcasters have a responsibility to elevate respectful discourse and that Kimmel’s comments failed that standard. Sinclair noted that ABC had already suspended production of Jimmy Kimmel Live! following internal discussions. Still, Sinclair said suspension was not enough. The company demanded more accountability before the show would return to its airwaves. (MORE NEWS: Rising Socialism Exposes the Democratic Party’s Identity Crisis) pic.twitter.com/iMedHkjFqa — Sinclair, Inc. (@WeAreSinclair) September 18, 2025 A Special Tribute to Charlie Kirk To underline its position, Sinclair announced it will air a special in remembrance of Charlie Kirk this Friday during Kimmel’s usual timeslot. The special will run across Sinclair’s ABC affiliates and also on its other stations over the weekend. In addition, Sinclair is offering the special broadcast to all ABC affiliates nationwide, ensuring Kirk’s memory and message reach a wide audience. By doing so, Sinclair underscores that its programming choices reflect community standards and the expectation of professionalism in broadcast media. Demanding Accountability from Jimmy Kimmel Sinclair went beyond programming changes. The company called on Jimmy Kimmel personally to apologize to the Kirk family. They also requested that he make a meaningful personal donation to both the Kirk family and Turning Point USA, the organization Charlie Kirk founded. Sinclair made clear that until such steps are taken, and until ABC provides stronger assurances about the future tone and standards of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the program will not return to their stations. The network emphasized that a national broadcast platform carries significant responsibility, and viewers deserve programming that does not inflame division in the wake of tragedy. A Coordinated Industry Push The twin moves by Nexstar and Sinclair highlight how powerful affiliate groups can exert influence over network programming. Together, Nexstar and Sinclair represent hundreds of stations across the country, giving them substantial reach. Their coordinated action sends a strong signal to ABC and Disney, the parent company, that local broadcasters expect national shows to align with community values. While late-night talk shows often traffic in sharp commentary, this controversy demonstrates that there are limits. Affiliates, which rely heavily on community trust and local relationships, are unwilling to air content they believe crosses those boundaries—especially at a time of national grief. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr talks with Sean Hannity: “Broadcasters are different from any other form of communication, including here on cable right now. Fox News doesn’t have an FCC license, CNN doesn’t, but ABC, CBS, and NBC—those broadcast stations do. And with that license comes a unique obligation to operate in the public interest. President Trump ran directly at these legacy broadcast outlets and exposed them to market forces, and a lot of these affiliate groups said, ‘We are tired of carrying this stuff.’ There’s more work to do, but I’m very glad to see that American broadcasters are standing up to serve the interests of their communities.” FCC Chairman Brendan Carr weighs in after ABC pulls Jimmy Kimmel off the airwaves “Broadcasters are different from any other form of communication, including here on cable right now. Fox News doesn’t have an FCC license, CNN doesn’t, but ABC, CBS, and NBC—those broadcast… pic.twitter.com/RjATnjPzEC — Sean Hannity 🇺🇸 (@seanhannity) September 18, 2025 The Broader Implications The decisions by Nexstar and Sinclair reflect a larger trend of accountability for media figures. As audiences fragment and trust in institutions declines, local broadcasters are positioning themselves as guardians of community standards. By taking a firm stand, they seek to reassure viewers that their platforms will not be used to mock or diminish tragedy. This also places pressure on ABC and Disney. If two of the largest affiliate operators refuse to carry Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the show’s national reach could be significantly reduced. That reality forces the network to decide whether it will adjust its programming strategy or risk a prolonged standoff with its affiliates. A Crossroads for Late-Night Television The fallout from Kimmel’s remarks comes at a time when late-night shows are already under scrutiny. Ratings have declined, and streaming platforms have eroded their once-dominant position in American culture. The controversy over Charlie Kirk’s death may accelerate that trend, especially if viewers see late-night comedy as out of step with national sentiment. By contrast, the special programming planned by Sinclair signals a potential shift. Instead of late-night comedy, millions of viewers may see a tribute to a conservative leader who shaped political conversations for a generation. That decision could resonate deeply with audiences and set a precedent for how affiliates handle future controversies. The Road Ahead For now, Nexstar and Sinclair have made it clear: Jimmy Kimmel Live! isn’t coming back to their stations anytime soon. ABC’s suspension may buy them a little time, but affiliates aren’t interested in a band-aid. They want accountability. Will Jimmy Kimmel do the right thing? Or will he dig in, knowing Hollywood will circle the wagons around him no matter how horrible his words were? One thing is certain: late-night television just hit a turning point. The era of coasting on cheap shots and…
Kimmel’s Italian Citizenship: Turning Away From America
Jimmy Kimmel Chooses Italian Citizenship Jimmy Kimmel, the well-known late-night host, recently revealed that he has obtained Italian citizenship. At 57, Kimmel took this step through his grandmother, who was originally from Italy. Why? He says it’s because of President Trump and policies he strongly disagrees with. On Sarah Silverman’s podcast—Silverman is a longtime friend and former girlfriend—Kimmel shared his thoughts about the current state of America. He said things are much worse than he expected. “A lot of people I know are thinking about where are they going to get citizenship?” Silverman said. (RELATED: Trump: New Census Will Omit Illegal Immigrants) “I did get Italian citizenship,” Kimmel replied. He added, “As bad as you thought it was going to be — it’s so much worse. It’s just unbelievable. I feel like it’s even worse than he would like it to be.” See Ya! Late night host Jimmy Kimmel announces he has secured Italian citizenship – declares Donald Trump’s presidency is “so much worse” than he ever imagined. Can we hope he will ACTUALLY leave the country? pic.twitter.com/Q1cPTRlcg1 — Conservative Brief (@ConservBrief) August 9, 2025 Choosing Another Country Over Your Own Kimmel’s choice raises a serious question: why would a U.S. citizen, with every right and opportunity here, seek citizenship elsewhere? He does not have work overseas. He is a public figure who is choosing a second country because of political policies he disagrees with. This is part of a “fashionable” trend. Celebrities like Rosie O’Donnell and Ellen DeGeneres have also pursued citizenship in other countries. The message is clear: America is easy for some to give up if policies are inconvenient or uncomfortable. Instead of staying and fighting for their beliefs, they choose to leave. Dual Citizenship and Loyalty Dual citizenship has long allowed people to live, work, and vote in two countries—depending on the laws and residency requirements of the other country. But this can create a conflict of interest. If two countries have opposing policies, where does your loyalty lie? Full allegiance should always remain with the United States. Kimmel’s decision highlights this debate. When public figures turn their back on their home country, it sends a message that America is not worth defending or supporting. (MORE NEWS: SNAP Soda Ban: Ending Taxpayer Junk Food Subsidies) Immigration Rules Abroad Kimmel’s decision also underscores a reality many ignore: other countries do not welcome immigrants as freely as some assume. Many have strict guidelines for immigration—including secure borders. Many European countries actively deport illegal immigrants. Italy deports asylum seekers to Albania and strictly controls immigration. Ireland also has strict immigration laws and has deported Nigerian nationals and others. Most countries protect their borders and citizens, and some that face immigration challenges are actively working to correct them. Americans considering foreign citizenship often overlook these restrictions. Kimmel’s move benefits from his heritage and elite celebrity status. The average U.S. citizen would not find the same opportunities. Kimmel Keeping an Open Mind on Former Trump Supporters Despite his harsh views of President Trump, Kimmel defended the right to reconsider one’s stance. “Now you see these clips of Joe Rogan saying, ‘Why is he doing this? Why are you deporting people?’ And people go, ‘…you supported him.’ I don’t buy into that,” Kimmel said. “The door has to stay open. If you want to change your mind, that’s so hard to do. If you want to admit you were wrong, that is so hard and so rare to do. You are welcome.” Contrary to what this statement implies, Rogan questioning Trump’s deportation efforts doesn’t mean he is no longer a Trump supporter. People can disagree with specific policies or actions while still supporting the administration overall. The Real Cost of Convenience Policies may change, leaders may come and go, but walking away from the United States out of protest—or as a virtue signal—is not the solution. Americans enjoy freedoms and opportunities that no other country provides. Choosing another country reflects disloyalty to the very nation that gave them the platform they are now using to criticize it. Kimmel’s story is not just about one celebrity. It illustrates a larger discussion about loyalty, dual citizenship, and the responsibilities Americans have to their own country. Leaving the U.S. demonstrates that, in difficult times, some Americans prioritize personal comfort over national pride. Should dual citizenship be allowed? Some say no. And if it is allowed, should those individuals retain the right to vote in U.S. elections? If their total allegiance is not to the United States, probably not. The fact remains that only the elite can afford to pack up and move to a different country when they dislike how things are going. It’s not a realistic option for most people, and that further exemplifies the divide between Hollywood and real life. And let’s be honest—someone should probably tell him who the current Prime Minister of Italy is. Unmask the Narrative. Rip Through the Lies. Spread the Truth. At The Modern Memo, we don’t polish propaganda — we tear it to shreds. The corporate press censors, spins, and sugarcoats. We don’t. If you’re tired of being misled, silenced, and spoon-fed fiction, help us expose what they try to hide. Truth matters — but only if it’s heard. So share this. Shake the silence. And remind the powerful they don’t own the story.