Sinclair Broadcast Group restored Jimmy Kimmel Live to its ABC affiliate stations on Friday after pulling the late-night program for more than a week. The company removed Kimmel's show following his comments about conservative activist Charlie Kirk's death, which prompted criticism and an FCC warning from Chair Brendan Carr. Public backlash from viewers, politicians, and free speech groups pressured Sinclair to reverse its decision affecting 38 stations. Disney had already brought back the host, but Sinclair and Nexstar continued blocking local broadcasts.
Kimmel attracted 6.2 million viewers during his first episode after the restoration. Nexstar, which controls several ABC affiliates, has not announced whether it will resume airing the program. The broadcast company awaits federal approval for its $6.2 billion acquisition of Tegna. This controversy highlights ongoing tensions over content control and audience access to entertainment programming.
Kimmel attracted 6.2 million viewers during his first episode after the restoration. Nexstar, which controls several ABC affiliates, has not announced whether it will resume airing the program. The broadcast company awaits federal approval for its $6.2 billion acquisition of Tegna. This controversy highlights ongoing tensions over content control and audience access to entertainment programming.
