ABC temporarily halts Jimmy Kimmel's show following threat from Trump's FCC chair
In a series of unexpected events, the late-night talk show "Jimmy Kimmel Live" has found itself in the midst of controversy. The show, hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, has been indefinitely preempted by ABC following comments made about conservative activist Charlie Kirk during Kimmel's Monday evening monologue.
The controversy has sparked criticism from free speech and free expression groups, who view the hiatus as a cowardly move. SAG-AFTRA, the actors union, has also condemned the suspension, stating that suppression of free speech and retaliation for speaking out on significant issues of public concern run counter to the fundamental rights we all rely on.
Sinclair, another big station group, has taken action, announcing it will air a one-hour special tribute to Charlie Kirk on Friday night in Kimmel's usual time slot. Sinclair has called for further action from ABC, the FCC, and Kimmel, and stated that it will not lift the suspension of Kimmel's show until appropriate steps have been taken to uphold broadcast standards.
Nexstar, which operates about two dozen ABC affiliates, has publicly objected to Kimmel's remarks and plans to replace his show with other programming in its ABC-affiliated markets. At least two major owners of ABC-affiliated stations have also decided to preempt Kimmel's show.
The move came following pressure from a Trump administration official responsible for licensing ABC's local stations. FCC chair Brendan Carr has suggested that the FCC could move to revoke ABC affiliate licenses as a way to force Disney to punish Kimmel. However, it's important to note that there are no specific companies mentioned that have consulted with the FCC regarding Jimmy Kimmel's removal from ABC's programming.
Anna Gomez, the lone Democratic commissioner at the FCC, has expressed concern about the Trump administration using government power to suppress lawful expression. The Center for American Rights has filed a complaint with the FCC over Kimmel's comments, stating that it is no defense to say that Kimmel was engaging in satire or late-night comedy.
President Trump has celebrated the decision and called for similar action against other late-night talk shows on NBC. He has also suggested that "Next up will be an even less talented Jimmy Kimmel" following the cancellation of Stephen Colbert's late-night talk show.
Despite the controversy, the decision to pull the show was made by ABC, and no further details were shared. It remains to be seen how this situation will unfold and whether free speech will continue to be a contentious issue in the world of late-night television.
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