Nexstar Media, one of the television networks that generated the temporary suspension of Jimmy Kimmel’s show last week, announced Tuesday that its ABC-affiliated television stations will not air the late-night show ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ scheduled to return to the air this Tuesday.
“Last week we decided to suspend ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ following what ABC called Mr. Kimmel’s ill-timed and insensitive comments at a critical moment in our national discourse,” the group said in a statement.
“We stand by that decision pending assurance of a commitment by all parties to foster an environment of respectful and constructive dialogue in the markets we serve,” he continued.
ABC announced Monday that after discussions with its parent company Disney about the suspension, which has cost the company multiple critics, and with host Jimmy Kimmel they had made the decision to bring back the show this Tuesday.
A Disney spokesperson explained that the network decided to suspend production of the popular show last week “to avoid further aggravating” the situation in the country following the death of ultra-conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
The program’s return follows a major controversy over the network’s decision to silence the comedian, which rights and press freedom advocates considered a violation of the freedom of speech protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
Nexstar’s decision affecting Jimmy Kimmel Live
Prior to Nexstar, Sinclair Station Group announced Monday that it would suspend broadcasting ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ on the 38 stations on which it operates, and that it was in “discussions with ABC as we evaluate the show’s possible return.”
According to Variety, Nexstar and Sinclair represent about 25% of the national television audience, which means that ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ will be off the air in a significant proportion of the U.S. territory.
Last week, Disney pulled Kimmel’s show off the air after Nexstar and Sinclair announced they would not air it in their respective markets following the host’s comments about the killer of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Kimmel’s cancellation came hours after Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr suggested that the government could take action against network affiliates that broadcast the comedian’s show.
On Monday, some 400 artists – including legendary Hollywood stars – signed, along with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), an open letter requesting public support to condemn the suspension, described as indefinite, and defend freedom of expression, reported Agencia EFE.
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