ABC has suspended Jimmy Kimmel's late-night show indefinitely, a decision influenced by local broadcasters who opted to prioritize community interests over content from Hollywood. The suspension follows Kimmel's controversial remarks regarding Charlie Kirk's assassin, which local affiliates deemed inappropriate for their audiences.
Explainer Local Stations Challenge Hollywood With Suspension of Kimmel's Show
The network, owned by Disney, announced the suspension after affiliates under Nexstar and Sinclair indicated they would stop airing Kimmel's show. Nathan Leamer, CEO of Fixed Gear Strategies and former policy advisor to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), stated that local stations are asserting their independence from the network's influence. He emphasized that these affiliates are responding to the values of their predominantly right-leaning audiences in rural America.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr supported the affiliates' decision, highlighting their obligation to serve the public interest. He noted that while enforcement of this obligation has been lax in recent years, the actions taken by Nexstar and Sinclair represent a significant shift in the media landscape. Carr described the move as unprecedented and indicated that the FCC is exploring options to strengthen enforcement of public interest obligations.
Sinclair issued a statement confirming that the suspension of Kimmel's show would remain in effect until discussions with ABC regarding professionalism and accountability take place. The company also called for Kimmel to apologize to the Kirk family and to make a donation to Turning Point USA.
Leamer pointed out that the actions of Nexstar and Sinclair are part of a broader push to reform media ownership rules. Currently, the FCC limits the reach of any single company to 39% of the market, which restricts conservative-leaning affiliates from competing effectively with national networks and streaming services. He argued that lifting these caps would enable local broadcasters to produce more content that aligns with their audiences' values.
The suspension of Kimmel's show reflects a growing trend among local broadcasters to resist the influence of Hollywood, which they see as out of touch with American values. Leamer noted that Hollywood's dominance in media has created a financial model that prioritizes content that may not resonate with many viewers in smaller markets.
As conservative media outlets continue to gain traction, local broadcasters may find new opportunities to provide content that reflects their communities' interests. This shift could lead to a more diverse media landscape, allowing for narratives that challenge the prevailing liberal perspectives often associated with Hollywood.
Breccan F. Thies is the White House correspondent for The Federalist, where he covers education and culture issues. He holds a degree from the University of Virginia and is a 2022 Claremont Institute Publius Fellow. Follow him on X: @BreccanFThies.
Why it matters
- Jimmy Kimmel's show suspension highlights local broadcasters prioritizing community values over Hollywood content.
- The decision reflects a significant shift in media dynamics, with local affiliates asserting independence from national networks.
- FCC Chairman supports local stations' actions, indicating a potential increase in enforcement of public interest obligations.
What’s next
- Kimmel may need to apologize to the Kirk family and donate to Turning Point USA as part of the discussions with Sinclair.
- The FCC is exploring options to strengthen public interest obligations for broadcasters.
- Local affiliates may push for reforms in media ownership rules to enhance competition against national networks.
