News Summary
Jimmy Kimmel’s talk show is currently not being broadcast on WJLA-TV in Washington, D.C., due to a preemption by Sinclair Broadcast Group. This interruption affects over 40 ABC stations and follows Kimmel’s controversial comments regarding the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. In place of Kimmel’s show, local news is being aired, stirring viewer dissatisfaction. The situation highlights ongoing tensions between media companies and freedom of speech, amid rising protests against Sinclair and its decision.
Washington, D.C. – Jimmy Kimmel’s popular late-night talk show, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, is currently not being aired on ABC affiliate WJLA-TV in Washington, D.C. This interruption is part of a broader decision affecting over 40 ABC stations owned by Sinclair Broadcast Group, which are likewise opting not to air Kimmel’s return following a temporary suspension.
In place of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, Sinclair-affiliated stations are airing a “special edition” of their nightly newscast, titled 7News On Your Side. The preempted broadcast focused on a local story about a “lost” cemetery for Black children located in Cheltenham, Maryland. Currently, Sinclair and Nexstar Media Group are reportedly continuing the indefinite preemption of Kimmel’s show.
This decision comes amid controversy over comments made by Kimmel regarding the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, which several commentators interpreted as suggesting a link between Kirk’s murder and the “MAGA gang.” The backlash intensified when FCC Chair Brendan Carr criticized Kimmel’s remarks, labeling them as “the sickest conduct possible.”
Disney, the parent company of ABC, initially suspended Kimmel’s show due to political pressure from the Trump administration. Affiliates like WJLA typically rely heavily on political advertisements, which may influence their programming decisions and financial wellbeing. Sinclair has previously expressed disapproval of Kimmel’s commentary and has demanded an apology and a donation from him to Kirk’s family and the organization Turning Point USA.
In the wake of Kimmel’s suspension, a wave of online protests against Sinclair and WJLA is gaining momentum. Viewers are being encouraged to voice their dissatisfaction with the programming changes and potential censorship by boycotting advertisements aired on Sinclair’s platforms. Some viewers are also seeking alternative ways to access Kimmel’s show, such as using antennas or VPN services.
It is essential to note that while Nexstar Media Group oversees several television stations, it does not own an ABC affiliate in Washington, D.C. In this market, Nexstar operates WDCW, also known as DC News Now, which is not affiliated with ABC.
Upon his anticipated return, Jimmy Kimmel emphasized the significance of free speech, criticizing the political pressure that led to his suspension and characterizing it as “un-American.” In the absence of his show, a 7News Special Edition aired without any prior announcement to viewers, further contributing to feelings of dissatisfaction among fans and critics alike.
The ongoing backlash against Kimmel’s comments has thrust media companies into a challenging position regarding freedom of speech discussions, especially as they navigate business interests with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations. As the situation continues to unfold, social media platforms are abuzz with debate, with both Kimmel’s critics and supporters expressing their views on the implications of this broadcast ban.
As Sinclair and Nexstar Media Group face increased pressure from both the public and media watchdogs, the developments surrounding Kimmel’s show and the impact on local television programming could set a precedent for future free speech discussions in the media landscape.
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Additional Resources
- Axios: Jimmy Kimmel Live! and Sinclair Broadcast Group
- Google Search: Jimmy Kimmel Live
- Washingtonian: Viewers Scramble for Kimmel’s Return
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Late Night Talk Shows
- NBC News: Kimmel Responds to Indefinite Hold
- Google News: Jimmy Kimmel Sinclair
- Deadline: Kimmel and Sinclair’s Decision
- Google Scholar: Media Freedom of Speech
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
