The Jimmy Kimmel Show Suspended Without a Set Return After Host's Political Commentator Remarks
ABC revealed that the program will be pulled without a return date following comments made by the host about the shooting of the political commentator.
Channel and Affiliate Actions
The network made the announcement on midweek, indicating that the show would be preempted for the foreseeable future. Officials said that preempting means alternative content will air in the time slot.
This action came shortly after a major station owner stated it would also preempt Jimmy Kimmel Live! on its network of channels. Nexstar pointed to objections over Kimmel’s remarks about the killing of Charlie Kirk.
Background
In his Tuesday monologue, the comedian commented that some groups were attempting to benefit from the death of the speaker, who was fatally shot recently in Utah.
The accused individual has been charged with aggravated murder and may be subject to the death penalty.
The late-night host also criticized a political figure for reportedly attributing the left for the incident absent support.
The vice president had stated that the majority of radicals in the US come from the progressive side, a statement the host dismissed by pointing to a study on political violence in the United States.
Regulatory and Industry Reactions
Before the broadcast group's move, FCC Chair Brendan Carr had asked affiliates to stop airing the show, cautioning that they could face fines or disciplinary action if they broadcast content that distorted news.
Carr later thanked the media group for taking action and emphasized that broadcasters have an obligation to act in the community's benefit.
Nexstar's broadcasting president called the host's remarks as offensive and insensitive during a volatile political moment.
Kimmel has not yet commented publicly on the suspension.
Allowing the host to remain on air in the communities we serve cannot be considered appropriate under these circumstances.
Kimmel's program stands suspended for now.
