Sinclair Calls for Responsibility While Pulling Kimmel and Supporting Kirk Honors
Sinclair Broadcast Group, recognized as the largest group of ABC affiliates in the country, has revealed that it will replace “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” in its Friday slot with a one-hour program honoring Charlie Kirk. This move comes after ABC decided to suspend Kimmel’s show indefinitely, following the host’s comments implying that supporters of MAGA were trying to use Kirk’s assassination for political leverage. Both Sinclair and Nexstar, which also owns a large number of ABC affiliates, removed Kimmel's show from their networks in reaction to his statements.
Sinclair’s response goes further than just altering its programming. The company has formally requested that Kimmel provide a direct apology to Kirk’s relatives and make a “substantial personal donation” to both the Kirk family and Turning Point USA. They also insisted on holding formal talks with ABC to discuss the network’s “dedication to professionalism and accountability” before considering Kimmel’s show for reinstatement. “Mr. Kimmel’s remarks were out of line and extremely insensitive during a crucial period for our nation,” Sinclair Vice Chairman Jason Smith stated.
By choosing to air a tribute in place of Kimmel’s program, Sinclair is highlighting its broader perspective on the role of media and its responsibility to the public. The company reiterated its stance that broadcasters are obligated to encourage civil and productive conversations, especially during important national events. The tribute, which will be shown across all Sinclair channels this weekend and offered to additional ABC affiliates, is intended as a direct reply to Kimmel’s comments and the broader debate regarding the Kirk incident.
Sinclair also commended FCC Chairman Brendan Carr for his outspoken condemnation of Kimmel’s comments and stressed the necessity for regulatory measures to counterbalance the power of national networks over local stations. “This situation demonstrates the urgent need for the FCC to enact immediate policies addressing the dominance of major networks over local broadcasters,” Smith continued. Carr had earlier cautioned that Kimmel’s comments, made while information was still developing, could misinform viewers and breach obligations to serve the public interest.
ABC, which has broadcast Kimmel’s show since 2003, acted quickly to suspend it after actions taken by Nexstar and Sinclair. Kimmel had discussed Kirk’s assassination in his monologues earlier that week, suggesting that some conservative voices were trying to politicize the tragedy. Later developments indicated that the shooter’s reasons were more personal than political, which went against Kimmel’s portrayal. Nevertheless, Kimmel’s remarks prompted an outcry from conservative circles, with former President Donald Trump publicly supporting the suspension via Truth Social.
Sinclair’s move highlights the ongoing debate surrounding freedom of expression, media accountability, and the control national networks have over local TV. The broadcaster has stated that Kimmel’s show will remain off the air until ABC demonstrates that it has taken adequate steps to ensure that their national platform maintains the standards expected. Sinclair’s statement concluded with a warning that, “regardless of ABC’s intentions for the show’s future,” they will not resume airing “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” until they are assured that “the proper measures have been implemented to maintain the standards required of a national broadcaster.”
