TV station owners reinstate Jimmy Kimmel show after ban

September 27, 2025

Two major US local TV station owners, Sinclair and Nexstar, have resumed airing Jimmy Kimmel Live! after a week-long ban over controversial comments Kimmel made about Charlie Kirk's murder. The companies reinstated the show on Friday following ABC's earlier decision to bring Kimmel back after a brief suspension.

Who is affected

Viewers of Sinclair and Nexstar-owned ABC affiliates in cities like Washington DC, Nashville, New Orleans, and Seattle
Jimmy Kimmel and his show's production team
ABC network and its parent company Disney
Advertisers on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Conservative influencer Charlie Kirk (posthumously)

What action is being taken

Sinclair and Nexstar are reinstating Jimmy Kimmel Live! to their broadcast schedules
Sinclair is engaging in "ongoing and constructive" discussions with ABC and Disney
Sinclair has suggested measures to promote "accountability" within Disney
Nexstar is continuing discussions with ABC about their concerns
ABC is airing Jimmy Kimmel's show again following a brief suspension

Why it matters

The situation demonstrates the power dynamics between national networks and local station owners
It highlights tensions around free speech and accountability in broadcasting
The controversy involves political dimensions with Trump's reaction and the Trump-appointed FCC chair's threats
The incident shows how ratings and advertising influence programming decisions, as Kimmel's return saw his audience more than quadruple
The reinstatement impacts the availability of the show to viewers in multiple major US markets

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC