Before ABC abruptly stopped production of Jimmy Kimmel Live! Wednesday, broadcast conglomerate Sinclair informed the network it would no longer air the program—meaning the network made its decision after hearing from two of its major station groups: Nexstar and Sinclair.
“As discussed with ABC earlier today, Sinclair decided to indefinitely pre-empt Jimmy Kimmel Live! beginning tonight,” the right-leaning station group said in a Wednesday night press release. “Following these discussions, ABC has suspended production of Jimmy Kimmel Live!.”
The company went on to term ABC’s indefinite removal of JKL “not enough,” making it clear that Kimmel’s return would need to meet their approval.
“Sinclair will not lift the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! on our stations until formal discussions are held with ABC regarding the network’s commitment to professionalism and accountability,” the company said in a press release. “Regardless of ABC’s 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.”
Sinclair notes it is the largest group of ABC affiliates in the country. Per its website, the company has nearly 40 ABC-affiliated stations in its portfolio, most of which it owns and operates.
The company also made a number of demands of Kimmel himself. “Sinclair also calls upon Mr. Kimmel to issue a direct apology to the Kirk family,” it said. “Furthermore, we ask Mr. Kimmel to make a meaningful personal donation to the Kirk family and Turning Point USA.”
“Mr. Kimmel’s remarks were inappropriate and deeply insensitive at a critical moment for our country,” said Sinclair Vice Chairman Jason Smith. “We believe broadcasters have a responsibility to educate and elevate respectful, constructive dialogue in our communities. We appreciate FCC Chairman Carr’s remarks today, and this incident highlights the critical need for the FCC to take immediate regulatory action to address control held over local broadcasters by the big national networks.”
Sinclair also announced that its ABC stations would “air a special in remembrance of Charlie Kirk” in Kimmel’s timeslot Friday night.
