ABC Puts ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ on Hold Indefinitely Following Controversial Charlie Kirk Remarks

Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show is on hold. ABC announced that Jimmy Kimmel Live! will be “preempted indefinitely” after Kimmel made some controversial remarks about Charlie Kirk, a right-wing media figure.

Nexstar, which owns many local TV stations including 28 ABC affiliates, decided to pause the show. This action came after pressure from the FCC, as Brendan Carr, the FCC chair, criticized Kimmel for suggesting the shooter who targeted Kirk was linked to MAGA Republicans.

A source revealed to The Hollywood Reporter that Kimmel was planning to clarify his comments on his next show. He intended to explain that his words were taken out of context, but he did not plan to apologize, believing his remarks were justified.

Carr expressed his support for Nexstar’s decision, stating, “Local broadcasters must serve the public interest.” He emphasized the need to respond to content that may not reflect community values. This move by Nexstar highlights a shift in how media companies handle controversial content.

Kimmel’s original comment was, “We hit new lows with the MAGA gang trying to spin this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk.” Following this, Carr suggested on a podcast that affiliates should not air Kimmel until the situation was addressed properly.

Nexstar stated that Kimmel’s comments were “offensive and insensitive” and did not align with the values of their communities. They also mentioned their decision aimed to promote respectful dialogue.

Interestingly, Nexstar’s timing overlaps with its pursuit of FCC approval for a $6.2 billion deal to acquire Tegna, which would make it the largest local TV station owner in the U.S. Sinclair Broadcast Group also announced it would run a tribute to Kirk in Kimmel’s time slot and stressed the need for Kimmel to apologize to Kirk’s family.

Brendan Carr has been outspoken about the media’s responsibility, particularly in light of pressures from various political factions. He commented on the state of late-night television, arguing that they’ve shifted from being humorous to enforcing narrow political ideologies.

In today’s media landscape, where opinions and comedy intertwine, Kimmel’s suspension raises questions about accountability in broadcasting. Viewers and commentators alike are discussing the implications of humor that strays into political controversy. How media personalities navigate this terrain will shape the future of late-night television.

For more insights into media accountability, see the FCC’s official report on broadcasting standards here.

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Charlie Kirk,Jimmy Kimmel