Jimmy Kimmel's popular talk show has been temporarily halted following controversial remarks made about Charlie Kirk.
In a significant move, ABC has indefinitely suspended the airing of "Jimmy Kimmel Live" following comments made by the host about the assassination of Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA. The decision comes after Nexstar Media Group, the nation's largest local television and media company, announced it would stop airing the show on its 32 ABC affiliates, citing the comments as offensive and insensitive.
Nexstar's decision was influenced by FCC Chair Brendan Carr's urging, who praised the move and suggested that the commission could open an investigation if there is a pattern of disturbing comments. Carr's actions, however, have been met with criticism from Democratic politicians and FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez, who argue that the administration is using government power to suppress lawful expression.
Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative advocate and founder of Turning Point USA, is known for his work in advancing conservative causes on college campuses and among young voters. His death has sparked a wave of reactions, with former US President Barack Obama condemning the Trump administration for escalating "cancel culture" to a dangerous level.
The move to suspend "Jimmy Kimmel Live" has also been criticised as censorship and an attack on free speech by Democratic politicians, including Senator Ed Markey, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, and Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii.
The broadcast season that ended in May saw "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" emerge as the most-watched late-night show, averaging 1.9 million viewers per episode, while "Jimmy Kimmel Live" averaged 1.57 million viewers. Viewership of late-night shows has been declining as viewers shift to streaming and social media platforms.
Donald Trump, who has a history of suing, berating, and threatening media companies whose coverage he disagrees with, celebrated the news on social media, calling it a courageous move by ABC. Trump has also credited Charlie Kirk for driving more young voters and voters of colour in support of his 2024 presidential campaign.
This week, Trump filed a $15bn defamation lawsuit against The New York Times and book publisher Penguin Random House. In July, CBS-parent company Paramount paid $16m to settle a civil suit over what Trump alleged was the network's deceptive editing of an interview with presidential candidate Kamala Harris.
The FCC is currently considering Nexstar Media Group's $6.2bn deal to acquire smaller rival Tegna, a decision that could have implications for the future of late-night television. As the industry continues to evolve, the impact of such decisions on free speech and the balance between entertainment and political discourse remains a topic of ongoing debate.
