A Broadcast Shift: ABC Affiliates Replace Jimmy Kimmel Live with Charlie Kirk Tribute
In a dramatic shakeup of late-night programming, thirty ABC affiliates—primarily operated by Sinclair Broadcast Group and Nexstar Media Group—have announced they will preempt Jimmy Kimmel Live this Friday to air a tribute special titled In Remembrance of Charlie Kirk. The decision follows a wave of controversy surrounding comments made by host Jimmy Kimmel in the aftermath of Kirk’s tragic death, and signals a broader reckoning over media accountability, political polarization, and the role of broadcasters in shaping public discourse.
The Tragedy That Sparked a Firestorm
Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot on September 10 at Utah Valley University during a live event attended by over 3,000 spectators. The alleged shooter, Tyler Robinson, 22, was later revealed to hold far-left ideologies and was reportedly in a relationship with his transgender roommate. The killing sent shockwaves through political and media circles, with tributes pouring in from conservative figures and organizations.
Kirk, known for his combative style and “Prove Me Wrong” campus debates, had become a lightning rod in American political discourse. His death was mourned by many on the right as a loss of a passionate voice for conservative youth, while others viewed the tragedy as a moment to reflect on the escalating tensions in political rhetoric.
Kimmel’s Controversial Remarks
Jimmy Kimmel, host of the long-running Jimmy Kimmel Live, addressed Kirk’s death during his monologue on Monday, September 15. In his remarks, Kimmel criticized what he described as attempts by “the MAGA gang” to politicize the murder and mischaracterize the shooter’s motives. “We hit some new lows over the weekend,” Kimmel said, “with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them, and doing everything they can to score political points from it.”
While Kimmel initially posted a sympathetic message on social media expressing condolences to Kirk’s family, his televised comments were perceived by many as inflammatory and insensitive. The backlash was swift and intense, particularly from conservative media outlets and political figures.
FCC and Affiliate Response
Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr publicly condemned Kimmel’s remarks, calling them “some of the sickest conduct possible” and hinting at potential regulatory action. In an interview with conservative podcaster Benny Johnson, Carr stated, “There are avenues here for the FCC to address this,” and later told Fox News’ Sean Hannity that Kimmel was “suffering the consequences” of his actions.
Sinclair Broadcast Group, the largest operator of ABC affiliates in the country, quickly announced it would suspend airing Jimmy Kimmel Live indefinitely. “Mr. Kimmel’s remarks were inappropriate and deeply insensitive at a critical moment for our country,” said Sinclair Vice Chairman Jason Smith. Nexstar Media Group echoed the sentiment, stating it would also preempt the show across its 32 ABC-affiliated stations.
Both companies demanded formal discussions with ABC regarding the network’s commitment to professionalism and accountability. Sinclair went further, calling on Kimmel to issue a direct apology to the Kirk family and make a personal donation to both the family and Turning Point USA.
The Tribute Special: “In Remembrance of Charlie Kirk”
In place of Jimmy Kimmel Live, Sinclair and Nexstar will air In Remembrance of Charlie Kirk, a tribute special honoring Kirk’s life, activism, and legacy. The special is scheduled to air during Kimmel’s usual timeslot—10:35 p.m. local time—on Friday, September 19, and will be rebroadcast across all Sinclair stations throughout the weekend.
According to Sinclair’s press release, the special will feature highlights from Kirk’s speeches, interviews, and public appearances, as well as testimonials from colleagues, friends, and political allies. The program aims to celebrate Kirk’s contributions to conservative youth engagement and his role in shaping political discourse on college campuses.
Sinclair has also offered the special to other ABC affiliates nationwide, though it remains unclear how many will participate beyond the initial thirty.
ABC’s Position and Future of Kimmel’s Show
ABC, owned by Walt Disney Company, announced on Wednesday that it was suspending Jimmy Kimmel Live “indefinitely.” While the network has not confirmed whether Kimmel has been fired, sources suggest that internal discussions are ongoing. The Wall Street Journal reported that ABC hopes to bring the show back “in the next several days,” though no formal timeline has been provided.
Kimmel himself has reportedly declined to apologize, believing his comments were taken out of context. However, the mounting pressure from affiliate groups and regulatory bodies may complicate any potential return.
Media, Politics, and the Battle for the Airwaves
The decision to replace Jimmy Kimmel Live with a tribute to Charlie Kirk underscores the growing influence of politically aligned media conglomerates in shaping broadcast content. Sinclair and Nexstar, both known for their conservative leanings, have used their control over local affiliates to push back against what they view as liberal bias in national programming.
This incident also highlights the tension between national networks and local broadcasters. While ABC produces and distributes content like Jimmy Kimmel Live, it relies on affiliate stations to air its programming. When those affiliates object—especially en masse—the network’s ability to maintain a unified broadcast strategy is compromised.
Moreover, the controversy raises questions about the boundaries of political commentary in entertainment. Late-night hosts like Kimmel have long walked a fine line between comedy and political critique. But in an era of heightened polarization, even satirical remarks can ignite firestorms that reverberate across the media landscape.
A Moment of Reckoning
Whether one views the replacement of Jimmy Kimmel Live with In Remembrance of Charlie Kirk as a justified response to insensitivity or a politically motivated censorship, the moment marks a significant turning point in American broadcasting. It reflects a broader cultural shift in which media companies are increasingly held accountable—not just by audiences, but by their own affiliates and regulators.
As the tribute airs this weekend, viewers across the country will be reminded not only of Charlie Kirk’s life and legacy, but also of the complex and often contentious relationship between politics, media, and public discourse.
