Sinclair to Air Jimmy Kimmel Live! on ABC Stations Again After Kirk Remarks Controversy

Sinclair Broadcast Group said Monday it will begin airing Jimmy Kimmel Live! on its 36 ABC-affiliate stations in the coming days, reversing a pause tied to the Charlie Kirk remarks controversy.

The reversal follows remarks Kimmel made about murdered conservative activist Charlie Kirk, which drew threats from the Federal Communications Commission chair under President Trump toward ABC over those comments.

Sinclair's plan extends to all 36 of its ABC affiliates, a reversal from earlier moves by the company as it navigated the backlash to late-night programming amid political contention. Nexstar Media Group, another major owner of local stations, has not indicated a reversal and continues to keep Kimmel off its channels.

Media analysts noted the patchwork nature of the local-television landscape, where individual affiliate groups weigh network programming against political sensitivities and advertiser concerns. The move signals a potential thaw in a stalled dynamic between some broadcasters and late-night programs tied to remarks about prominent political figures.

As the situation remains fluid, industry observers expect further updates in the coming days, with viewers in several markets likely to see Kimmel back on air as Sinclair completes its rollout.