Despite ABC Revoking Jimmy Kimmel’s Suspension, Nexstar and Sinclair Refuse to Air His Show Over “Insensitivity” Following MAGA Remarks
A day after ABC revoked the suspension order on Jimmy Kimmel’s show, several local TV stations have refused to air the program, citing concerns over its “insensitivity.” BBC reported that Nexstar and Sinclair, which together operate dozens of ABC-affiliated stations, announced they would continue replacing the show with regular programming on Tuesday.
“Mr. Kimmel’s remarks were inappropriate and deeply insensitive at a critical moment for our country,” said Sinclair’s vice-chairman, Jason Smith.
The late-night talk show was abruptly pulled off the air last week after Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Brendan Carr, along with networks of affiliate stations, threatened ABC over comments made by Kimmel in a monologue. The remarks addressed the MAGA movement’s response to Charlie Kirk’s assassination, sparking significant controversy.
This decision to suspend the show ignited a debate between supporters of former President Donald Trump’s administration and Kimmel regarding government interference and freedom of speech.
On Monday, in a show of solidarity, over 400 artists—including Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, and Jennifer Aniston—signed an open letter organized by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in support of Kimmel, CNN reported.
Later, a spokesperson for the Walt Disney Company, which owns ABC, told CNN: “We have spent the last days having thoughtful conversations with Jimmy, and after those conversations, we reached the decision to return the show on Tuesday.”
https://www.news18.com/world/tv-stations-refuse-to-air-insensitive-kimmels-show-despite-abc-lifting-suspension-ws-l-9592556.html
