Sinclair Broadcast Group said it will suspend Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely on its ABC-affiliate stations and replace the late-night program with a Charlie Kirk tribute show this Friday, with the time slot cleared across Sinclair’s portfolio of as many as 185 stations in 85 markets. The broadcaster did not specify which outlets will carry the tribute, but said the move will extend through the weekend as the company considers next steps. Separately, Nexstar Media Group said it would stop airing Kimmel’s show in its ABC-affiliated markets effective immediately.
Sinclair described the decision as a response to comments by Kimmel that the company said were insensitive regarding the death of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. In its statement, Sinclair said Kimmel would not be permitted back on the air until formal discussions are held with ABC about the network’s commitment to professionalism and accountability, and the network called on Kimmel to issue a direct apology to the Kirk family and to make a meaningful personal donation to both the Kirk Family and Turning Point USA.
"Mr. Kimmel's remarks were inappropriate and deeply insensitive at a critical moment for our country," Sinclair Vice Chairman Jason Smith said in the announcement. "We believe broadcasters have a responsibility to educate and elevate respectful, constructive dialogue in our communities." Kimmel’s Friday show was reportedly slated to be replaced by a Charlie Kirk remembrance special, a decision that followed the suspension that has stunned staff and viewers alike.
An unnamed insider told The Wall Street Journal that Kimmel’s program could return within days, though Sinclair’s conditions and the network’s heavy-handed stance have raised questions about the show’s prospects at ABC. The broadcaster’s hard-line approach—coupled with Kimmel’s rumored fury over the suspension—has prompted speculation Kimmel might refuse to return even if offered.
The controversy began with a Monday-night monologue in which Kimmel addressed the assassination of Charlie Kirk by saying, in part, that investigators had not yet framed the shooter in political terms and that the incident had become a political flashpoint. Kimmel also drew attention to the political climate surrounding gun violence. In the hours after the shooting, Kimmel posted on social media expressing sorrow for the victims and calling for compassion in a moment of national tragedy. The remarks quickly drew scrutiny from FCC Chair Brendan Carr, who said he was weighing an investigation into Kimmel and ABC for comments he described as inappropriate.
The developments come amid broader attention to the role of late-night hosts in political discourse. The suspension prompted reactions from lawmakers and media figures across the spectrum. Some conservatives applauded Nexstar’s decision to pull the show, while others argued the move raised concerns about press freedom. Others criticized Kimmel for remarks they viewed as inappropriately politicized in a sensitive moment.
In a separate response, Nexstar’s broadcasting division President Andrew Alford condemned the statements as offensive and insensitive. The company noted the decision to replace the program was effective immediately in its ABC-affiliated markets. The incident also touched on regulatory dynamics, with FCC officials and network executives watching closely as the dispute unfolded.
The evolving story highlights tensions between national networks and their local affiliates as ownership groups navigate political expectations and public accountability. It also underscores the leverage local stations wield in scheduling decisions when content prompts concerns about professionalism and community standards.
The Charlie Kirk tribute set to air on Friday represents a high-profile pivot for Sinclair’s stations, with the company signaling that any reintroduction of Kimmel’s program would require not only an apology but a personal donation to Kirk’s family and Turning Point USA. The Kirk family and TPUSA, founded by Kirk, have been central to the controversy, and the ask reflects the network’s stated goal of fostering respectful dialogue in communities served by Sinclair’s stations.
As the week unfolds, observers will look for any updates on whether ABC will reaffirm or revise its relationship with Kimmel, how affiliates will implement the tribute, and whether the discussions with Sinclair will lead to a broader policy shift at the network level. Viewers and industry watchers will also be watching for any formal statements from Kimmel’s representatives as the situation develops.