Jimmy Kimmel Show Returns as Major Broadcasters End Boycott

Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night talk show is returning to local stations across the United States. Broadcast giants Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group have lifted their boycott. The decision ends a multi-day blackout that affected viewers in dozens of cities.

The restoration came on Friday, local time. This follows a suspension initiated over comments Kimmel made related to the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. According to the Associated Press, the show will now air again nationwide.

Broadcasters Reverse Course After Public Pressure

Disney-owned ABC had initially suspended “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on September 17. This action came after pressure from the Federal Communications Commission. The Trump-appointed FCC head had threatened potential action.

Sinclair and Nexstar initially continued to block the show even after ABC restored it to national broadcasts. Sinclair, known for its conservative leanings, had demanded a public apology from Kimmel. They also requested a personal donation to Charlie Kirk’s nonprofit, Turning Point USA.

In a statement, Sinclair cited its dual responsibilities. The company said it must serve local community interests while honoring network programming obligations. This reasoning marked a shift from their earlier hardline position.

Political Clash Highlights Media Tensions

The incident underscores deep political divisions in American media. Former President Donald Trump has frequently criticized late-night hosts like Kimmel. Trump has previously called for such programs to be taken off the air.

Upon his return to national television, Kimmel addressed the situation directly. He described the boycott as an “anti-American” effort to silence comedy. Kimmel expressed concern about a leader who celebrates job losses over political jokes.

The resolution suggests a practical compromise between network agreements and political sentiment. For now, the immediate crisis has passed. Viewers in affected markets can once again tune in to the program.

The end of the Jimmy Kimmel boycott signals a temporary truce in the culture wars affecting broadcast television. The return of the show provides relief for fans and the production team, but the underlying tensions between political commentary and entertainment remain unresolved.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: Why was Jimmy Kimmel’s show suspended?

The suspension stemmed from comments Kimmel made following the death of activist Charlie Kirk. Disney’s ABC initially pulled the show after threats of action from the FCC. Broadcasters Sinclair and Nexstar then continued the boycott independently.

Q2: How many stations were affected by the blackout?

The boycott impacted a significant number of local ABC affiliates. Nexstar’s decision restored the show in 28 cities. Sinclair’s reversal affected another 38 stations across the country.

Q3: What did Jimmy Kimmel say about the situation?

Kimmel criticized the boycott during his return broadcast. He called it an attempt to silence a comedian for telling jokes. He also expressed concern about political pressure affecting media freedom.

Q4: Did Sinclair Broadcast Group get an apology?

No public apology was issued by Jimmy Kimmel. Sinclair had initially demanded one, along with a donation. The broadcaster later reinstated the show without those conditions being met.

Q5: What role did Donald Trump play in this incident?

Former President Trump has a history of criticizing late-night hosts. He has previously called for shows like Kimmel’s to be removed from the air. This context contributed to the politically charged atmosphere surrounding the suspension.

Trusted Sources: Associated Press