In a move that has sent shockwaves through the media industry, a multitude of ABC affiliate stations have announced plans to broadcast a tribute special for conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
This decision comes in the wake of contentious comments made by liberal host Jimmy Kimmel about Kirk's alleged assassin. The tribute will air in Kimmel's usual time slot this Friday.
According to Fox News, Sinclair Broadcast Group, the operator of 30 ABC affiliates, declared on Wednesday that it would air a special "in remembrance of Charlie Kirk." This decision followed Disney's resolution to indefinitely suspend "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" Sinclair had previously joined forces with Nexstar, another ABC affiliate owner, to pre-empt Kimmel's late-night show even before Disney's decision.
Sinclair Vice Chairman Jason Smith criticized Kimmel's comments, stating, "Mr. Kimmels remarks were inappropriate and deeply insensitive at a critical moment for our country." Sinclair, often scrutinized by other media outlets for its right-leaning content, has stated that it will not lift the suspension "until formal discussions are held with ABC regarding the networks commitment to professionalism and accountability."
In addition to this, Sinclair has called on Kimmel to issue a direct apology to the Kirk family and to make a significant personal donation to the Kirk family and Turning Point USA. The company stated, "Regardless of ABCs plans for the future of the program, Sinclair intends not to return Jimmy Kimmel Live! to our air until we are confident that appropriate steps have been taken to uphold the standards expected of a national broadcast platform."
Earlier on the same day, Nexstar Media Group also announced its decision to pre-empt "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" on its ABC affiliates. Nexstar's broadcasting chief, Andrew Alford, expressed his disapproval of Kimmel's comments about Kirk's death, describing them as "offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse."
Kimmel has been under fire for his comments on Monday, where he accused conservatives of reaching "new lows" in trying to associate a left-wing ideology with 22-year-old suspect Tyler Robinson. Kimmel's comments were met with severe criticism, with some accusing him of suggesting that the killer was a MAGA supporter.
However, some of Kimmel's defenders have argued that his comments have been taken out of context or misrepresented.
The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Kimmel was ready to address the backlash on Wednesday's show and "planned to explain what he said and demonstrate how it was taken out of context." However, Disney preempted him by making the decision to suspend his show.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr also issued a warning against Disney if it failed to address the controversy. He later welcomed the company's decision.
The decision to suspend Kimmel's show was met with applause from President Donald Trump and many of his supporters, with Trump labeling it as "great news for America." However, some conservatives questioned whether this was a result of government overreach.
The decision also sparked outrage among liberals, with Rep. Daniel Goldman, D-N.Y., expressing his disdain for both Trump and the FCC, as well as Disney and Nexstar, for their actions.
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