Jimmy Kimmel to Return After Suspension, but Many Stations Refuse to Air His Show
Published Date: 24th Sep, 2025
Los Angeles / New York, Sept. 23, 2025 — The late-night host Jimmy Kimmel is set to return to television after a six-day suspension, but his comeback is already marred by widespread pushback from major broadcasters.
Return to the airwaves
Disney and ABC announced that “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” would resume broadcasting on Tuesday. The suspension came after Kimmel made controversial remarks about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, prompting a wave of criticism from political leaders and media outlets.
Stations push back
Two of the country’s biggest station groups — Sinclair Broadcast Group and Nexstar Media Group — said they will continue to preempt Kimmel’s show, refusing to air it across dozens of ABC affiliates. Together, the two groups control more than a quarter of ABC’s local stations, meaning many viewers will not be able to watch his return episode on traditional broadcast TV.
Sinclair has demanded that Kimmel issue a formal apology and make a donation to Turning Point USA, the group associated with Charlie Kirk, before considering reinstating the show. Nexstar cited concerns about maintaining “respectful public discourse” and announced it would substitute local content in the late-night slot until further notice.
Kimmel breaks his silence
Kimmel himself stayed quiet during his suspension but returned to social media ahead of the broadcast, sharing a tribute photo with TV legend Norman Lear. In the post, he praised Lear’s resilience and legacy, signaling his readiness to return to the stage.
Reactions and broader debate
The suspension and its aftermath have triggered an outpouring of reactions:
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Entertainers and media figures criticized the decision, arguing it amounted to censorship and a dangerous precedent for free speech.
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Regulators distanced themselves from the controversy. FCC leadership denied exerting direct pressure, stressing that any decisions were internal to ABC and its affiliates.
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Industry analysts see the dispute as part of a broader battle over political influence in media and the fragile balance between free expression and corporate responsibility.
As “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” returns, the spotlight will not just be on Kimmel’s words, but also on the reach of his voice — with much of his audience cut off by stations unwilling to carry his show.
Date: 24th Sep, 2025
