On September 26, 2025, Sinclair Broadcasting announced that it would resume airing Jimmy Kimmel Live! on its 38 ABC affiliate stations across the United States, ending a temporary preemption sparked by controversial remarks made by host Jimmy Kimmel. The decision follows a week of intense debate involving Sinclair, Nexstar, Disney, and even federal regulators, highlighting tensions between free speech, broadcast responsibilities, and political sensitivities.
Background of the Controversy
The controversy began after Kimmel commented on the September 10, 2025, assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at an event at Utah Valley University. On his September 15 show, Kimmel suggested that Republicans were attempting to distance the suspect from their political ideology, stating, “The MAGA gang [is] desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it.” At the time, investigators had not yet released details about the suspect’s motives, though Utah Governor Spencer Cox later noted the suspect had grown up in a conservative household but was influenced by “leftist ideology.”
Kimmel’s remarks drew sharp criticism, particularly from Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr, who called Kimmel’s comments “the sickest conduct possible.” Sinclair and Nexstar, which together operate roughly 70 ABC affiliate stations, responded by pulling Jimmy Kimmel Live! from their airwaves. Disney, ABC’s parent company, briefly suspended Kimmel before resuming production on September 23, 2025. The show’s return episode attracted 6.26 million viewers, despite being unavailable in over a quarter of U.S. households due to the Sinclair and Nexstar blackouts.
Sinclair’s Decision to Resume Airing
In a statement released on Friday, September 26, Sinclair emphasized that its decision to preempt the show was “independent of any government interaction or influence” and was driven by its responsibility to provide “accurate and engaging” programming for its communities. The company, which operates in 27 markets, underscored its commitment to balancing local broadcasting duties with its obligations to air national network content.
Sinclair also revealed it had proposed several measures to Disney during “ongoing and constructive discussions,” including the appointment of a “network-wide independent ombudsman” to oversee content. However, Disney has not yet adopted these suggestions. Last week, Sinclair publicly called for Kimmel to issue a direct apology to the Kirk family and make a “meaningful personal donation” to the family and Turning Point USA, the conservative organization Kirk founded. It remains unclear whether these demands were met.
Nexstar’s Ongoing Evaluation
While Sinclair has reinstated Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Nexstar, which operates about 30 ABC affiliates, has not yet confirmed whether it will follow suit. On September 24, Nexstar stated it was “continuing to evaluate the status” of Kimmel’s show and was engaged in discussions with Disney to ensure the program “reflects and respects the diverse interests of the communities we serve.” Nexstar did not respond to immediate requests for comment on September 26.
Broader Implications
The situation has raised questions about the role of broadcasters in managing controversial content and the influence of regulatory bodies. Four Democratic lawmakers announced on September 24 that they are launching a probe into whether Sinclair and Nexstar’s decisions to pull Kimmel’s show were influenced by regulatory issues pending with the Trump administration. Notably, Nexstar is seeking FCC approval for a $6.2 billion merger with Tegna, while Sinclair is exploring merger options for its broadcast business, according to CNBC.
Kimmel addressed the controversy in his September 23 return episode, defending free speech and clarifying his intentions. “You understand that it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man,” he said, while also mocking President Donald Trump and emphasizing the importance of living in a country that allows shows like his to exist.
Audience Impact
Despite the blackouts in Sinclair and Nexstar markets, the Tuesday return episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! drew a significantly larger audience than its 2024-25 season average of 1.42 million broadcast viewers, reaching 6.26 million viewers, according to Nielsen data. This figure does not include online streaming viewership, indicating the show’s resilience amid the controversy.
Conclusion
The reinstatement of Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Sinclair’s ABC affiliates marks a step toward resolving the conflict between broadcasters, networks, and public expectations. However, with Nexstar’s decision still pending and a federal probe underway, the situation remains a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over free speech, media responsibility, and political influence in broadcasting. As Kimmel continues to navigate this firestorm, his show’s return underscores the delicate balance between provocative commentary and the diverse interests of viewers across the country.