Skip to content
THE LIBERTY TRIBUNE

Local Stations Challenge Hollywood With Suspension of Kimmel's Show

Updated: 9/19/2025

ABCBrendan CarrCharlie KirkFCCJimmy KimmelNetworksNexstarSinclair

What it is

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.

Why it matters

  • 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 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
  • Leamer pointed out that the actions of Nexstar and Sinclair are part of a broader push to reform media ownership rules

Key facts

Timeline & recent coverage

  • See related posts on our site; this explainer updates when new reporting appears
  • For deeper background, explore the sources below

Primary sources

Further reading & references

  • (Additional background links will appear here as we cover this topic)

Related explainers