Media Company Revives Jimmy Kimmel Show Following Pressure
A media group previously associated with the Jimmy Kimmel show announced its return to broadcasting, which comes after pressure from left-wing activists and celebrities. Sinclair Broadcast Group, the largest operator of ABC stations, had previously criticized Kimmel’s remarks about Charlie Kirk, labeling them “inappropriate and deeply insensitive.”
“We recognize that not everyone will agree with our programming choices,” a spokesperson noted. “However, defending free speech while demanding that broadcasters air specific content contradicts that very principle.”
In a press release shared Friday, the spokesperson confirmed the show’s return scheduled for Friday night. “Our audiences, advertisers, and community leaders have provided meaningful feedback,” the statement continued. “Recent violent incidents, including a concerning shooting at an ABC affiliate in Sacramento, underline the significance of responsible broadcasting and the necessity of respectful dialogues between disparate voices.”
Furthermore, Sinclair indicated that they put forth suggestions to Disney, ABC’s parent company, aiming to foster greater accountability regarding similar issues, but those proposals were not accepted.
“Our decision to pause the airing of this program wasn’t influenced by any government interactions,” the spokesperson reiterated. “Free speech allows broadcasters to make decisions about local station content. It’s paradoxical to defend free speech while mandating specific content to be aired.”
Sinclair has faced criticism for opting to replace Kimmel’s program with a tribute to Charlie Kirk.
Meanwhile, Nexstar Media Group has also pulled Kimmel’s show from the air, with no updates about its return as of Friday afternoon. Blaze News reached out to Nexstar for comment but did not receive a response promptly.
Shortly after Kimmel’s show garnered criticism from many on the left, he returned to the airwaves, using the opportunity to criticize former President Donald Trump while also emotionally commending Charlie Kirk’s widow for her powerful act of forgiveness towards her husband’s alleged assassin.
Blaze News also sought a comment from Disney, but there was no immediate response.
