ABC Suspends Jimmy Kimmel Live Indefinitely After On-Air Remarks

ABC Suspends Jimmy Kimmel Live After Affiliate Revolt Over On-Air Comments.ABC has suspended its long-running late-night program, Jimmy Kimmel Live!. The network announced the decision Wednesday. This follows intense backlash from its affiliate stations. The suspension is indefinite.The move comes after major station owner Nexstar decided to pull the show. Nexstar operates 28 ABC affiliates across the country. The decision was a direct response to Kimmel’s Monday monologue.

Jimmy Kimmel Suspended Following Network Affiliate Pressure

ABC confirmed the show’s preemption. A network spokesperson called it an indefinite suspension. The decision was made swiftly.A source cited an “affiliate revolt” as a key factor. Nexstar was the first major group to act. At least one other station group also expressed concerns. This pressure contributed to ABC’s final call.Kimmel was reportedly prepared to address the controversy. He planned to explain his comments on Wednesday’s show. He felt his words were taken out of context. The host was not planning to issue an apology.

FCC Chair and Broadcasters Hail Unprecedented Decision

Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr applauded the move. He thanked Nexstar for “doing the right thing.” Carr had previously suggested affiliates could face license revocation risks.He argued broadcasters must push back against content that distorts news. This is a rare instance of a network show being pulled by affiliates for commentary. The situation is unprecedented for a major late-night program.Nexstar President Andrew Alford released a statement. He called Kimmel’s comments “offensive and insensitive.” He said the show no longer reflects community values. Preemption was necessary for cooler heads to prevail.

Major Station Groups Withhold Programming Indefinitely

Nexstar operates in many midsize markets. Its stations include ABC affiliates in New Orleans and Salt Lake City. The company is currently seeking FCC approval for a massive acquisition.Another major broadcaster, Sinclair, also took action. It operates the most ABC affiliates of any group. This includes the Washington D.C. station. Sinclair will not air Kimmel’s show until formal discussions with ABC are held.The broadcaster will run a tribute to Charlie Kirk instead. It also joined calls for Kimmel to apologize to the Kirk family. This collective action shows significant industry discontent.

Jimmy Kimmel Weighs Future Amid Charlie Kirk Controversy

The suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! marks a dramatic moment in broadcast television, highlighting the power of affiliate stations and the intense scrutiny facing network content. The future of the show now hangs in the balance.

Info at your fingertips

Why was Jimmy Kimmel suspended?

ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel after affiliate stations revolted. They objected to his on-air comments about political commentator Charlie Kirk. Major station groups like Nexstar preempted his show.

Which station groups pulled Jimmy Kimmel Live?

Nexstar and Sinclair were the two major station groups. Nexstar preempted the show indefinitely across its 28 ABC affiliates. Sinclair also refused to air it pending talks with ABC.

What did Jimmy Kimmel say about Charlie Kirk?

Kimmel commented on the shooting of a political commentator. He characterized the suspect as part of a “MAGA gang.” Many viewers found the remarks offensive and insensitive.

Was the FCC involved in the suspension?

FCC Chair Brendan Carr did not directly suspend the show. However, he publicly supported the affiliates’ decision. He had earlier suggested stations could face license reviews for airing distorted content.

How long will the suspension last?

ABC has called the suspension indefinite. Its duration is unclear. The show will not return until the network and its affiliates resolve their differences.