TV Stations Say No to Kimmel: Citing 'Insensitive' Remarks

Tue Oct 21 2025 01:31:57 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Local affiliates stand against Jimmy Kimmel's return to air after controversial comments, citing concerns over insensitivity.

In a significant move, local TV stations affiliated with ABC have decided not to air Jimmy Kimmel's show despite its return to ABC after a temporary suspension. The decision follows Kimmel's controversial remarks about the murder of activist Charlie Kirk, which some found deeply inappropriate amidst the current political climate. Major station operators like Nexstar and Sinclair have opted for regular programming instead, raising concerns about respect in national discourse. Critics see this as a censorship issue, generating support for Kimmel from numerous celebrities.

Local TV stations say they will not air Jimmy Kimmel Live! despite Disney-owned ABC bringing back the comedian's late-night show - a week after he was suspended for comments about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Nexstar and Sinclair, which together run dozens of stations affiliated to ABC, said they would continue to replace the show with regular programming on Tuesday.

Mr Kimmel's remarks were inappropriate and deeply insensitive at a critical moment for our country, Sinclair's vice-chairman Jason Smith said.

The liberal comedian's show was yanked off air last week after his monologue about the shooting of Kirk caused uproar. Nextstar, one of the biggest owners of TV stations in the US, expressed support for its decision to preempt Kimmel's show awaiting assurance that all parties commit to respectful and constructive dialogue.

Sinclair emphasized it would replace Kimmel's show across its ABC affiliates with news programming. Following Kimmel's controversial statement, which touched on the murder of Charlie Kirk, a significant national discourse surrounding the implications of his comments emerged. Critics, including a multitude of celebrities, have rallied behind him, denouncing what they perceive to be censorship, especially as Kimmel's suspension coincided with threats from the federal TV regulator against ABC's broadcasting licenses.

As this debate continues, with protests for freedom of speech and resistance against perceived censorship, the conversation around media responsibility in times of heated political sentiment remains relevant and pressing.