Sinclair Stations to Air Charlie Kirk Tribute During ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ Timeslot
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a move escalating a dispute over a recent monologue by Jimmy Kimmel, Sinclair Broadcast Group announced it will preempt Jimmy Kimmel Live! on its ABC affiliate stations and instead air a tribute to conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. Teh decision comes after Kimmel’s segment sparked outrage from Kirk and his organization, Turning Point USA, and calls for broadcasters to reconsider airing the show from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr.
Sinclair stated it will maintain the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! “until formal discussions are held with ABC regarding the network’s commitment to professionalism and accountability,” and is demanding Kimmel apologize to Kirk’s family and make “a meaningful personal donation to the Kirk Family and Turning Point USA.” the company framed its actions as upholding a responsibility to “educate and elevate respectful, constructive dialog in our communities,” and highlighted the need for the FCC to address control held over local broadcasters by major national networks.
Earlier Wednesday, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr publicly demanded licensed broadcasters stop airing Kimmel’s show, suggesting thay risk fines or licence revocation by continuing to air content he characterized as “a pattern of news distortion.” Speaking with conservative podcaster Benny Johnson, Carr stated, “I think that it’s really sort of past time that a lot of these licensed broadcasters themselves push back on Comcast and Disney and say, ‘Listen, we are going to preempt, we are not going to run Kimmel anymore, until you straighten this out.'”
The dispute follows a pattern of recent shifts in late-night television. In July,CBS announced it would end Stephen Colbert’s The Late Show in 2026,citing financial reasons,though the decision drew criticism following Colbert’s public criticism of Paramount,CBS’ parent company,over a settlement with former President Donald Trump.
