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)
— 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 expecting affiliates to go along with it is over. Local broadcasters are showing they have a spine, and for once, they are on the right side.
And let’s not forget: Charlie’s assassin is not MAGA. Kimmel’s words didn’t just cross a line—they spread false information at a time of national grief. That’s why this matters.
The truth prevails. And the American people aren’t going to forget who mocked a tragedy—and who stood up for Charlie Kirk.
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