NEW YORK (RTW) — Jimmy Kimmel is set to return to late-night television on Tuesday after a nearly weeklong suspension that has sparked an intense debate about freedom of speech and the influence of politics over media. The suspension followed Kimmel’s comments about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, leading some to question how far comedians and journalists can push the boundaries of their remarks.
Despite the suspension being lifted, two groups of ABC affiliates decided not to air Kimmel’s first show back. Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group, both controlling a significant number of ABC affiliates, stated they would continue to preempt the show until convinced that an environment of respectful dialogue is fostered in the markets they serve.
ABC's decision to bring back 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' came after deliberations with the host, with the network issuing a statement indicating that Kimmel's comments had been 'ill-timed and thus insensitive,' although they stopped short of labeling them as misleading.
Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr, appointed by Donald Trump, criticized Kimmel’s comments as an attempt to mislead the public. This prompted pushback from various entertainment figures and organizations defending Kimmel's right to free speech. Many celebrities signed a letter from the ACLU denouncing ABC’s action as a troubling moment for freedom of expression.
As the late-night programming landscape shifts, Kimmel’s return could serve as a litmus test for how free speech is treated in media moving forward, especially given the ongoing political climate. Kimmel's viewers will be keen to see how he addresses the controversy during his first episode back.
