Whereas Jimmy Kimmel is about to return on Tuesday from his ABC suspension, many People gained’t have the ability to watch, as TV affiliate giants Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group have introduced that they are going to refuse to air Jimmy Kimmel Stay! on the TV stations they personal.
Each the Sinclair and Nexstar possession teams are conservative. Sinclair boss David Smith advised Donald Trump in 2016, “We’re right here to ship your message,” and has backed him ever since. Whereas Nexstar Media Group had been extra delicate about their politics (at the least, till this 12 months) they’ve been main Republican donors for the final decade-plus. Collectively, in accordance with the New York Occasions, the 2 teams personal greater than 20% of native ABC affiliate stations.
Kimmel drew controversy for his feedback in regards to the MAGA response to Charlie Kirk’s assassination. ABC suspended him following specific threats from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, who mentioned, “We will do that the straightforward means or the arduous means.”
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Sinclair initially introduced that it might exchange Jimmy Kimmel Stay! with a tribute to Charlie Kirk, although the group later backed down. They’ve additionally demanded that Kimmel problem an apology, in addition to “a significant private donation” to each Kirk’s household and his political group, Turning Factors USA.
Nexstar hasn’t issued ultimatums, however it’s at present trying to shut a $6.2 billion merger with Tegna, one other affiliate station proprietor. The merger would probably violate antitrust legal guidelines and due to this fact requires FCC approval.
ABC and father or mother firm Disney have additionally been underneath hearth from the left for the dealing with of the Kimmel saga. During the last week, over 400 celebrities signed an open letter calling Kimmel’s suspension “a darkish second for freedom of speech,” Jewel and Sarah McLachlan canceled a Lilith Honest live performance that was set to be aired on ABC, and Howard Stern canceled his Disney+ subscription.