Sinclair Broadcasting, the nation’s largest group of ABC affiliates, has imposed strict conditions for Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show to be restored on its channels. The demands were made public on Wednesday, September 17, following discussions with ABC about the indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live!
In a press release, Sinclair stated that it “objects to recent comments made by Mr. Kimmel concerning the assassination of Charlie Kirk.” The company emphasized its responsibility as a broadcaster “to educate and elevate respectful, constructive dialogue in our communities.”
Sinclair has made it clear that it will only reinstate the show if three specific conditions are met:
- ABC must engage in a discussion with Sinclair regarding accountability.
- Kimmel must personally and directly apologize to Charlie Kirk’s family.
- Kimmel must make a personal donation to both the Kirk family and the organization Turning Point USA.
The company’s statement concluded, “Regardless of ABC’s plans for the future of the program, we will not restore Jimmy Kimmel Live! until we’re confident proper steps have been taken to uphold the standards expected of a national broadcast platform.”
Until the conditions are met, Sinclair has announced that a tribute special for Charlie Kirk will air in Kimmel’s time slot across its 30 markets. The controversy began with Kimmel’s September 15 monologue, where he criticized what he saw as attempts to politicize Kirk’s murder and mocked President Trump’s remarks at the time.
