Kimmel's Late Night Program Halted For Now Due to Presenter's Charlie Kirk Remarks
The broadcasting company revealed that the program will be suspended until further notice in the wake of on-air remarks made by the host about the killing of Charlie Kirk.
Network and Partner Station Decisions
ABC declared on Wednesday night, indicating that the show would be replaced indefinitely. An ABC spokesperson clarified that preempting means different shows will be shown in the program's block.
This action was prompted by a major station owner announced it would similarly pull Jimmy Kimmel Live! on stations across the country. Nexstar referenced concerns over the monologue content related to the shooting of Charlie Kirk.
Background
During a recent episode, the host remarked that political supporters were seeking to leverage the killing of Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot on September 10 in Utah.
The accused individual has been charged with aggravated murder and may be subject to the maximum sentence.
Kimmel also targeted the vice president for reportedly attributing liberal groups for Kirk’s death absent support.
Vance had asserted that most political extremists in the US come from the far left, a statement the comedian dismissed by citing a analysis on domestic terrorism in the United States.
Regulatory and Industry Reactions
Prior to the broadcast group's move, a top regulator had called on affiliates to cease broadcasting the show, indicating that there was a risk of penalties or license revocation if they transmitted content that misrepresented facts.
Brendan Carr later praised Nexstar for making the move and noted that broadcasters have a duty to prioritize truthful content.
Andrew Alford called Kimmel’s comments as offensive and insensitive amid a volatile political moment.
The host has not yet issued a statement regarding the decision.
Providing a national stage across our markets cannot be considered in the public interest now.
Kimmel's program remains unavailable until further notice.
