“Jimmy Kimmel Live!” Pulled “Indefinitely” By Disney After Charlie Kirk Comment
With the shift in viewing habits as audiences move from cable to streaming, there has been much speculation about the future of late-night talk shows, as viewership declines and about how expensive these shows are to create. There has also been lots of speculation about the future of Jimmy Kimmel’s talk show, as his contract is set to expire in 2026 and he has talked openly about the fact that it might not get renewed.
However, now the future of the show is even more in doubt as the “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” show has been preempted indefinitely following a response to a comment the host made on an episode of his show earlier this week about the late Charlie Kirk, who was murdered last week.
“We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and with everything they can to score political points from it.”
On Wednesday, the FCC’s Brendan Carr threatened to investigate or take action against ABC to enforce broadcasters’ public interest obligations. This led to Nextstar, who own 32 of the ABC channels around the US, put out a statement saying they would preempt “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” for the foreseeable future as the company strongly objects to recent comments made by Mr. Kimmel concerning the killing of Charlie Kirk and will replace the show with other programming in its ABC-affiliated markets. Andrew Alford, President of Nexstar’s broadcasting division, said:
“Mr. Kimmel’s comments about the death of Mr. Kirk are offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse, and we do not believe they reflect the spectrum of opinions, views, or values of the local communities in which we are located. Continuing to give Mr. Kimmel a broadcast platform in the communities we serve is simply not in the public interest at the current time, and we have made the difficult decision to preempt his show in an effort to let cooler heads prevail as we move toward the resumption of respectful, constructive dialogue.”
Sinclair’s Vice Chairman, Jason Smith, who also owns a number of ABC channels, followed up stating
“Mr. Kimmel’s remarks were inappropriate and deeply insensitive at a critical moment for our country. We believe broadcasters have a responsibility to educate and elevate respectful, constructive dialogue in our communities. We appreciate FCC Chairman Carr’s remarks today and this incident highlights the critical need for the FCC to take immediate regulatory action to address control held over local broadcasters by the big national networks.”
Sinclair’s ABC stations will air a special in remembrance of Charlie Kirk this Friday, during Jimmy Kimmel Live’s timeslot. The special will also air across all Sinclair stations this weekend. In addition, Sinclair is offering the special to all ABC affiliates across the country.
The network has also said it would not lift the suspension of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on our stations until formal discussions are held with ABC regarding the network’s commitment to professionalism and accountability. They also want Mr. Kimmel to issue a direct apology to the Kirk family and for Mr. Kimmel to make a meaningful personal donation to the Kirk Family and Turning Point USA.
The President of the United States, Donald Trump, who has been involved in a long-running feud with all of the traditional late-night talk show hosts, also took to social media to comment on the show being suspended:
Great News for America: The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED. Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done. Kimmel has ZERO talent, and worse ratings than even Colbert, if that’s possible. That leaves Jimmy and Seth, two total losers, on Fake News NBC. Their ratings are also horrible. Do it NBC!!! President DJT
As you might expect, the reaction to Disney pulling “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” has been very polarising, with many on the right cheering on the decision and stating that ABC was right to do this. At the same time, many of the left are upset that Disney has given in to the threats of the government and see this as a continued erosion of people’s right to free speech, especially within the media.
SAG-AFTRA followed up with a statement regarding the suspension of the show:
“SAG-AFTRA condemns the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! Our society depends on freedom of expression. Suppression of free speech and retaliation for speaking out on significant issues of public concern run counter to the fundamental rights we all rely on. Democracy thrives when diverse points of view are expressed. The decision to suspend airing Jimmy Kimmel Live! is the type of suppression and retaliation that endangers everyone’s freedoms. SAG-AFTRA stands with all media artists and defends their right to express their diverse points of view, and everyone’s right to hear them,”
With the Writers Guild also adding:
“The right to speak our minds and to disagree with each other – to disturb, even – is at the very heart of what it means to be a free people. It is not to be denied. Not by violence, not by the abuse of governmental power, nor by acts of corporate cowardice. As a Guild, we stand united in opposition to anyone who uses their power and influence to silence the voices of writers, or anyone who speaks in dissent. If free speech applied only to ideas we like, we needn’t have bothered to write it into the Constitution. What we have signed on to – painful as it may be at times – is the freeing agreement to disagree. Shame on those in government who forget this founding truth. As for our employers, our words have made you rich. Silencing us impoverishes the whole world.”
The decision by Disney was made by CEO Bob Iger and Disney
Roger’s Take: This is a highly complex situation, and Disney is in a no-win position, as no matter what happens, they are going to upset someone. Disney, along with many other major media companies, is trying to stay out of the way of the government, and Disney, in particular, has been desperate to move back to the middle to appease both sides. At the end of last year, Disney paid $15 million to Donald Trump‘s presidential foundation and museum as part of a settlement from Trump’s defamation case against ABC.
With Jimmy Kimmel’s contract set to expire next year and President Trump expected to remain in office for many more years, I wouldn’t be surprised if the show never returns to our screens on a Disney-owned platform. Jimmy was apparently going to apologise for his comments on the show that was scheduled to air last night, but I just don’t think Disney will want any more negativity from the show and with the future of the show already doubtful due to the falling viewership year on year, I think the show will likely never return.
What do you think of this situation? Let me know on social media!
