Sinclair ends ban on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, returns Friday as network weighs accountability measures

Sinclair Broadcast Group said Friday it will end its preemption of ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live! and the late-night program will return to the air on Friday.

In a broad statement, the company said its objective remains to keep programming accurate and engaging for the widest possible audience, while noting the responsibility of local broadcasters to serve communities and air national network programming. The release cited feedback from viewers, advertisers and community leaders and referenced a shooting at an ABC affiliate in Sacramento as underscoring the importance of responsible broadcasting and respectful dialogue among differing voices.

The company said the measures proposed in discussions with ABC were designed as collaborative efforts between the ABC affiliates and the ABC network, including plans to strengthen accountability, viewer feedback and community dialogue, such as a network-wide independent ombudsman. While ABC and Disney have not yet adopted these measures, Sinclair said it respects their right to decide under their network affiliate agreements and that such steps could strengthen trust and accountability.

Sinclair added that the decision to preempt the program was independent of any government interaction. It argued that free speech provides broadcasters with the right to exercise judgment as to the content on local stations, but noted that it would be inconsistent to champion free speech while demanding that broadcasters air specific content. As a company rooted in local stations, Sinclair said it remains committed to serving communities with programming that reflects their priorities, earns their trust and promotes constructive dialogue, and it looks forward to continuing to work with ABC to deliver content that serves a broad spectrum of communities.

This is a developing story. More details will emerge as Sinclair and ABC finalize their approach and as the broader industry weighs the implications for local broadcasting.

The move comes amid a controversy surrounding coverage related to Charlie Kirk, a conservative commentator, and is part of a broader conversation about how networks and affiliates handle content and accountability in a polarized media environment. Industry observers note that Sinclair's approach to accountability measures could influence negotiations with ABC and other affiliates going forward, even as the company continues to emphasize local control and community engagement.