After a stormy week of headlines, Jimmy Kimmel Live! is making its way back onto Sinclair’s ABC affiliate stations.
The network giant confirmed the decision on Friday, saying the late-night show will once again air across its 36 stations in the coming days.
Why Kimmel Was Taken Off the Air
The drama kicked off last Wednesday when President Trump’s federal communications chair threatened ABC with consequences after Kimmel made remarks about murdered conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
The backlash prompted Sinclair — along with Nexstar, another conservative-leaning broadcaster — to pull Kimmel’s show from their schedules, even after he had returned to TV on Tuesday.
Sinclair Explains Its U-Turn
In a carefully worded statement, Sinclair explained why it reversed course.
The company said it had listened closely to feedback from viewers, advertisers, and community leaders representing “a wide range of perspectives.”
The statement also acknowledged recent violence, referencing a disturbing shooting at an ABC affiliate station in Sacramento, which the company described as “despicable.”
Sinclair said such incidents highlighted why “responsible broadcasting” and “respectful dialogue” are more important than ever.
Defending Free Speech and Programming Choices
Addressing critics, Sinclair pushed back on the idea that its earlier decision was politically motivated.
The company insisted that the choice to preempt Kimmel’s program was “independent of any government interaction or influence.”
The statement emphasized that free speech cuts both ways: while Kimmel has the right to express his views, broadcasters also have the right to exercise judgment over what they air.
Sinclair argued it would be “inconsistent to champion free speech while demanding that broadcasters air specific content.”
A Developing Situation
With tensions still running high — both politically and within the media industry — Sinclair’s move may not be the last word.
The controversy surrounding Jimmy Kimmel, Donald Trump’s administration, and the fallout from Charlie Kirk’s death remains a live wire in American politics and television.
For now, viewers of Sinclair’s ABC stations can expect to see Kimmel back on their screens, but the debate over free speech and media responsibility is far from over.