NEW YORK (AP) — Jimmy Kimmel is set to return to late-night television Tuesday after a nearly weeklong suspension that triggered a national discussion about freedom of speech and President Donald Trump’s influence over media narratives. However, two groups of ABC affiliates that criticized Kimmel last week announced they would not carry his return. Nexstar Media Group will continue to preempt the show, pending assurances of respectful dialogue, while Sinclair Broadcast Group has followed suit. Collectively, these corporations control about a quarter of ABC affiliates.
ABC had suspended Kimmel’s show after comments he made regarding the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, which led to backlash. Kimmel suggested that many Trump supporters were attempting to mischaracterize the assailant as disconnected from their political ideology. Following 'thoughtful conversations', ABC announced Kimmel would return despite multi-directional controversies surrounding his remarks and the political atmosphere pulling at the strings of media conduct.
During the hiatus, Trump’s FCC Chairman Brendan Carr implied Kimmel was trying to mislead the public and used his position to threaten greater repercussions against media figures. This provoked a significant backlash, with statements from public figures, entertainment leaders, and media advocates all rallying around the principle of free speech, labeling the event a dark moment for the media landscape.
Despite Kimmel's reinstatement, the outrage continues, stoked by critics such as Andrew Kolvet of Turning Point USA, who expressed disappointment at the leniency shown towards Kimmel after his remarks. Going forward, it remains to be seen how Kimmel will address these controversies in his return to late-night.
The political tensions surrounding this event illustrate a broader narrative of media control in the modern era, raising fundamental questions about the boundaries of speech and audience accountability amid shifting viewing patterns, as many audiences turn to highlight clips rather than view full shows live.
ABC had suspended Kimmel’s show after comments he made regarding the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, which led to backlash. Kimmel suggested that many Trump supporters were attempting to mischaracterize the assailant as disconnected from their political ideology. Following 'thoughtful conversations', ABC announced Kimmel would return despite multi-directional controversies surrounding his remarks and the political atmosphere pulling at the strings of media conduct.
During the hiatus, Trump’s FCC Chairman Brendan Carr implied Kimmel was trying to mislead the public and used his position to threaten greater repercussions against media figures. This provoked a significant backlash, with statements from public figures, entertainment leaders, and media advocates all rallying around the principle of free speech, labeling the event a dark moment for the media landscape.
Despite Kimmel's reinstatement, the outrage continues, stoked by critics such as Andrew Kolvet of Turning Point USA, who expressed disappointment at the leniency shown towards Kimmel after his remarks. Going forward, it remains to be seen how Kimmel will address these controversies in his return to late-night.
The political tensions surrounding this event illustrate a broader narrative of media control in the modern era, raising fundamental questions about the boundaries of speech and audience accountability amid shifting viewing patterns, as many audiences turn to highlight clips rather than view full shows live.
