No politics, but the death of free speech continues.


https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/17/media/jimmy-kimmel-charlie-kirk-trump-fcc-brendan-carr

Nexstar wants (https://www.resetera.com/threads/disneys-abc-is-pulling-jimmy-kimmel-indefinitely-after-late-night-hosts-recent-remarks-about-charlie-kirk.1300941/page-8#post-145301640) FCC approval of its $6.2 billion (https://www.reddit.com/r/television/comments/1njrkhf/comment/nesh7wh/) merger with rival Tegna (https://www.lipstickalley.com/threads/abc-pulls-%E2%80%98jimmy-kimmel-live-%E2%80%99-indefinitely-after-host%E2%80%99s-charlie-kirk-comments.5985000/post-111591427). Either FCC (https://www.reddit.com/r/politics/comments/1njp8c4/fcc_chair_threatens_abc_and_disney_over_jimmy/) Chief Brendan Carr (https://radiodiscussions.com/threads/abc-pulls-jimmy-kimmel-live.778035/post-6844630) pressured them to preempt (https://www.datalounge.com/thread/35895046-abc-pulls-%E2%80%98jimmy-kimmel-live!%E2%80%99-indefinitely-after-host%E2%80%99s-charlie-kirk-comments) Kimmel (https://forums.primetimer.com/topic/8556-jimmy-kimmel-live-general-discussion/?do=findComment&comment=8753658) on their stations or they did it proactively to curry favor.

This is the opposite of free speech: as with Colbert (in his case, the Paramount/Skydance merger approval), the government put its finger on the scale to get the show canceled and the show was canceled.

Fascism is here, and Sinclair Lewis was right. It’s wrapped in an American flag, holding a Bible.

If Kimmel had, instead of bringing up Charlie Kirk, said that homeless and mentally ill people should be euthanized, he’d still have a job.

Replacing Jimmy Kimmel at 11:35 tonight is a Celebrity Family Feud repeat. Other nights have not been updated yet.

No politicsYes that was one G00D thing about it!!

Too many things are centered about blasted politics and it sucks!!

This is the opposite of free speech: as with Colbert (in his case, the Paramount/Skydance merger approval), the government put its finger on the scale to get the show canceled and the show was canceled.

Fascism is here, and Sinclair Lewis was right. It’s wrapped in an American flag, holding a Bible.

If Kimmel had, instead of bringing up Charlie Kirk, said that homeless and mentally ill people should be euthanized, he’d still have a job.

Speaking of which (https://www.google.com/search?q=Sinclair+ABC+Jimmy+Kimmel&oq=Sinclair+ABC+Jimmy+Kimmel&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIHCAEQIRigATIHCAIQIRigATIHCAMQIRigATIHCAQQIRigATIHCAUQIRirAtIBCjE4ODcxajBqMTWoAgiwAgHxBSOcY_ZXcdA58QUjnGP2V3HQOQ&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8):
Maryland - September 17, 2025 - Sinclair, the nation's largest ABC (https://www.facebook.com/ABCNetwork) affiliate group, objects to recent comments made by Mr. Kimmel concerning the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

As discussed with ABC (https://www.instagram.com/abc/?hl=en) earlier today, Sinclair (https://www.facebook.com/WeAreSinclair) decided to indefinitely preempt "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" (https://www.facebook.com/JimmyKimmelLive) beginning tonight. Following these discussions, ABC has suspended production of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!"

"Mr. Kimmel's remarks were inappropriate and deeply insensitive at a critical moment for our country," said Vice Chairman Jason Smith. "We believe broadcasters have a responsibility to educate and elevate respectful, constructive dialogue in our communities. We appreciate FCC (https://www.facebook.com/FCC) Chairman Carr's remarks today and this incident highlights the critical need for the FCC (https://www.instagram.com/fcc/?hl=en) to take immediate regulatory action to address control held over local broadcasters by the big national networks."

Sinclair (https://www.instagram.com/wearesinclair/?hl=en)'s ABC stations will air a special in remembrance of Charlie Kirk this Friday, during Jimmy Kimmel Live (https://www.instagram.com/jimmykimmellive/?hl=en)'s timeslot.

The special will also air across all Sinclair stations this weekend. In addition, Sinclair is offering the special to all ABC affiliates across the country.

Sinclair will not lift the suspension of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" on our stations until formal discussions are held with ABC regarding the network's commitment to professionalism and accountability.

Sinclair also calls upon Mr. Kimmel to issue a direct apology to the Kirk family. Furthermore, we ask Mr. Kimmel to make a meaningful personal donation to the Kirk Family and Turning Point USA.

Regardless of ABC's plans for the future of the program, Sinclair intends not to return "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" to our air until we are confident that appropriate steps have been taken to uphold the standards expected of a national broadcast platform.

Nexstar wants (https://www.resetera.com/threads/disneys-abc-is-pulling-jimmy-kimmel-indefinitely-after-late-night-hosts-recent-remarks-about-charlie-kirk.1300941/page-8#post-145301640) FCC approval of its $6.2 billion (https://www.reddit.com/r/television/comments/1njrkhf/comment/nesh7wh/) merger with rival Tegna (https://www.lipstickalley.com/threads/abc-pulls-%E2%80%98jimmy-kimmel-live-%E2%80%99-indefinitely-after-host%E2%80%99s-charlie-kirk-comments.5985000/post-111591427). Either FCC (https://www.reddit.com/r/politics/comments/1njp8c4/fcc_chair_threatens_abc_and_disney_over_jimmy/) Chief Brendan Carr (https://radiodiscussions.com/threads/abc-pulls-jimmy-kimmel-live.778035/post-6844630) pressured them to preempt (https://www.datalounge.com/thread/35895046-abc-pulls-%E2%80%98jimmy-kimmel-live!%E2%80%99-indefinitely-after-host%E2%80%99s-charlie-kirk-comments) Kimmel (https://forums.primetimer.com/topic/8556-jimmy-kimmel-live-general-discussion/?do=findComment&comment=8753658) on their stations or they did it proactively to curry favor.

Basically (https://radiodiscussions.com/threads/abc-pulls-jimmy-kimmel-live.778035/post-6844844), Nexstar (https://www.lipstickalley.com/threads/abc-pulls-%E2%80%98jimmy-kimmel-live-%E2%80%99-indefinitely-after-host%E2%80%99s-charlie-kirk-comments.5985000/post-111596610) "pulled the show" (https://www.reddit.com/r/JimmyKimmel/comments/1njswc9/cancellation_megathread/) (depending on one's interpretation of events (https://www.resetera.com/threads/disneys-abc-is-pulling-jimmy-kimmel-indefinitely-after-late-night-hosts-recent-remarks-about-charlie-kirk.1300941/page-21#post-145309779)) because they are begging for (https://www.lipstickalley.com/threads/abc-pulls-%E2%80%98jimmy-kimmel-live-%E2%80%99-indefinitely-after-host%E2%80%99s-charlie-kirk-comments.5985000/post-111596586) Brendon Carr (https://www.resetera.com/threads/disneys-abc-is-pulling-jimmy-kimmel-indefinitely-after-late-night-hosts-recent-remarks-about-charlie-kirk.1300941/page-22#post-145311297) to remove all ownership caps so they can get Tegna (https://www.resetera.com/threads/disneys-abc-is-pulling-jimmy-kimmel-indefinitely-after-late-night-hosts-recent-remarks-about-charlie-kirk.1300941/page-23#post-145311537) outright.

I can't believe it. It's crazy !! :eek::(

Nexstar wants FCC approval of its $6.2 billion merger with rival Tegna. Either FCC Chief Brendan Carr pressured them to preempt Kimmel on their stations or they did it proactively to curry favor.

Sinclair, the largest ABC affiliate group, also pulled the show. The Nexstar and Sinclair stations together forced ABC's hand.

https://katv.com/news/local/sinclair-pulls-jimmy-kimmel-live-after-controversial-comments-katv-news-share-inform-community-public-engage-scold-criticism-network-address

Tonight will be another Celebrity Family Feud.

https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/tv/articles/jimmy-kimmel-live-replacement-named-144653862.html

On Friday night a Sinclair-produced special on Charlie Kirk will be offered to all ABC affiliates.

https://www.bizpacreview.com/2025/09/18/abc-to-air-charlie-kirk-remembrance-special-during-jimmy-kimmels-usual-timeslot-1586030/

I can't believe it. It's crazy !! :eek::(

I believe it..... Things have gone to crap and getting worse everyday!

This kind of stuff happens in Russia and China. I never thought we would see it here.

It will be interesting to see if ABC stands up for him. I think he'll be back by September 29 for a week of shows in Brooklyn.

https://creators.yahoo.com/lifestyle/story/jimmy-kimmel-live-comes-to-brooklyn-this-september-and-october---heres-how-to-get-tickets-174253584.html

ABC threw Jimmy Kimmel under the bus after decades of loyalty (https://variety.com/2025/tv/columns/abc-jimmy-kimmel-late-night-tv-future-1236522762/)

By Daniel D'Addario

On Wednesday morning, hours before Jimmy Kimmel would go on to be pulled from ABC indefinitely after incurring the ire of the FCC, the New York Times’ arts desk tweeted their “Best of Late Night” morning roundup. The joke they highlighted? Jimmy Fallon’s quip on NBC about Donald Trump’s trip to the United Kingdom, in which Fallon said that Trump would need to return home by midnight, or else his carriage (or, confusingly, Trump himself?) might turn back into a pumpkin.

That, perhaps, is the only kind of political humor that is still safe: Gesturing toward a punchline while risking nothing, saying nothing. It’s not hard to notice that, much like the carriage-riding Trump of his joke, Fallon is a Cinderella figure these days. In Trump’s first term, his position among his peers slipped as Fallon was less willing or able to be political than Kimmel or than CBS’ Stephen Colbert. Colbert is now a lame duck, with his entire franchise ending next spring; Kimmel may or may not return to air, but, if he does, he will have had his comic wings clipped after having had the full force of the federal government’s power trained on him.

In a Monday monologue, Kimmel spoke about the assassination of conservative speaker Charlie Kirk, addressing Trump supporters’ characterization of accused killer Tyler Robinson’s politics and mocking the president’s ordering American flags to half-mast. As to the suspect’s political beliefs: The case is dynamic and still unfolding, and confidently expressing a perspective might have been imprudent.

But imprudence is not a crime. Imprudence, in fact, can be the wellspring of great comedy — at least in a society where we understand free speech to be a foundational right and a virtue. So much for that! Disney’s pulling Kimmel on Wednesday came after FCC chair Brendan Carr said that the commission could potentially revoke ABC’s affiliate licenses, preventing the network from broadcasting entirely. Affiliate groups announced they were pulling the show before the entire network followed suit.

It’s worth noting this was not just a rank-and-file Disney employee who got kicked to the curb. Kimmel is the face of the network — a repeat host of the Oscars and Emmys on ABC’s air, and who the network brings in like clockwork at their upfront presentation to roast its own programming. His “getting political,” too, drew his show widespread plaudits when, in Trump’s first term, Kimmel used his pulpit to speak about healthcare in America after his newborn son was found to have a congenital heart ailment. In other words, Kimmel was a company man, and one whose past attempts to speak out had been met with hearty applause. And even he was not safe.

Not for the first time this year, an atmosphere of threat and of power politics has encroached upon the constitutionally protected tradition of free speech in this country, and taken our country to a place we haven’t been before.

What, then, lies ahead? It feels grimly apparent that Fallon may be the last man standing in the 11:35 p.m. timeslot, placing him in the unpleasant and — even a critic of his can acknowledge — uncomfortable position of at least being perceived as the state-media version of late night. It may just be that the man who was not right for the moment in the #Resistance era of 2017 is just perfect for a time in which attempts to speak out are punished so harshly as to seem not worth the trouble.

That, in the end, is the practical effect of the Trump administration’s approach to cultural politics, or culture-as-politics (https://www.mediamatters.org/donald-trump/jimmy-kimmel-and-maga-strong-arming-american-media) — Kimmel, like Colbert, is not being thrown in jail for his thought crimes. But he’s being used to make an example that resounds among his entertainment-industry peers and to all of us watching at home: Those who are not in line will be forced to get in line, or to face consequences that make life and earning a livelihood significantly harder. I noted with interest the firing of MSNBC contributor Matthew Dowd hours after he shared infelicitously phrased thoughts on Kirk’s rhetorical approach; it called to mind a similar-enough incident, in September 2001, when Bill Maher, then a late-night host on ABC, referred to the Sept. 11 suicide attackers as “not cowardly” by comparison to the American defense apparatus. Amid huge outcry, Maher stayed on his show until it was, eventually but not swiftly, canceled a little less than a year later. The Bush administration’s press secretary Ari Fleischer decried Maher, but it was just that: Meeting his speech with more speech. The brute force of government was not employed to take revenge upon ABC.

That’s because there had been, up to a point very recent in our history, an understanding that the citizen has endless options when confronted with speech he or she does not like: Not to be trite, but changing the channel is one. So is speaking back, by contacting advertisers or writing op-eds or using the opposing argument to clarify his or her own. Now, though — as the result of an election won by less than two percentage points of the popular vote — criticism of the party in power is, effectively, so close to being illegal that it differs in all but name.

What, then, lies ahead for TV? (Beyond the scope of this column is the question of TV news in particular, especially as CBS News and, possibly, CNN may transform under the reported potential leadership of self-styled firebrand Bari Weiss, whose career mission has been to move the media toward a particular set of orthodoxies in which she believes.) It’s hard to imagine CBS and ABC’s late-night airtime being filled by programming with a right-wing perspective — although the red-state-coded host and multiple country-music performances at the recent Emmys telecast raised my eyebrow from a cultural-signaling perspective, explicitly conservative comedy has not worked, to this point, on television.

More likely it just sits idle, a pointed reminder of the not-worthwhile risk a comedian takes when offending the leader. All that will be left is Fallon joking about carriages turning into pumpkins. It’s a joke that may mean more than he could possibly know: Cinderella didn’t know how good she had it for a while there, but stuff to which you become accustomed, like the right to free speech, can vanish just like that when the clock strikes midnight.

David Letterman, who texted with Jimmy Kimmel this morning, says "you can’t go around firing somebody because you’re fearful or trying to suck up to an authoritarian criminal administration in the Oval Office” (https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/david-letterman-slams-jimmy-kimmel-suspension-1236523616/)

“This is misery,” Letterman, Kimmel's longtime idol, said today at The Atlantic Festival (https://x.com/TheAtlantic/status/1968757190463717728) when asked about Jimmy Kimmel Live!'s suspension in New York City, according to Variety. “I feel bad about this,” said Letterman. “We see where this is all going, correct? It’s managed media. And it’s no good. It’s silly. It’s ridiculous. And you can’t go around firing somebody because you’re fearful or trying to suck up to an authoritarian criminal administration in the Oval Office. That’s just not how this works.” Letterman added: “The institution of the president of the United States ought to be bigger than a guy doing a talk show.” Letterman also revealed Kimmel texted him this morning. “He’s up in bed, he’s taking nourishment,” Letterman said.

ALSO:


Barack Obama slams Jimmy Kimmel's ABC suspension (https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/barack-obama-trump-jimmy-kimmel-suspension-1236523291/): “After years of complaining about cancel culture, the current administration has taken it to a new and dangerous level by routinely threatening regulatory action against media companies unless they muzzle or fire reporters and commentators it doesn’t like,” the former president, a four-time Jimmy Kimmel Live! guest, wrote on Twitter (https://x.com/BarackObama/status/1968679169937612849) on Thursday, linking to Yahoo News’ reposting (https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/let-clear-happened-jimmy-kimmel-025000655.html) of a Vox article that calls the Kimmel suspension “Trump’s most brazen attack on free speech yet.” (https://www.vox.com/politics/461887/jimmy-kimmel-suspension-air-abc-charlie-kirk-nexstar)

President Trump says Jimmy Kimmel “was fired” due to "lack of talent" (https://www.mediaite.com/politics/trump-wildly-claims-jimmy-kimmel-was-fired-for-lack-of-talent-when-pressed-on-free-speech-in-the-us/): "Kimmel was fired because he had bad ratings more than anything else, and he said a horrible thing about a great gentleman known as Charlie Kirk," the president said in a joint press conference in Britain with UK Prime Minister Keir Starner. "And Jimmy Kimmel is not a talented person. He had very bad ratings, and they should have fired him a long time ago; so, you know, you can call that free speech or not. He was fired for lack of talent."

Fox News' Greg Gutfeld rips Jimmy Kimmel: "I hate to tell you buddy, but the guy who shot and killed Charlie Kirk was more likely a fan of yours" (https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/greg-gutfeld-jimmy-kimmel-charlie-kirk-1236374690/)

House Democratic leaders blast FCC Chairman Brendan Carr for a “corrupt abuse of power” (https://deadline.com/2025/09/jimmy-kimmel-charlie-kirk-democratic-leaders-1236547895/)

Democratic U.S. Rep Eric Swalwell wears a Jimmy Kimmel Live! hat in Congress (https://bsky.app/profile/acyn.bsky.social/post/3lz4qn2atw22w)

Stephen Colbert will likely discuss Jimmy Kimmel's suspension tonight with guests Jake Tapper of CNN and The New Yorker editor David Remnick (https://x.com/brianstelter/status/1968726856158318915)

Over the summer, Jimmy Kimmel expressed hope that if Trump went after him, "my colleagues on the right will support my right to say what I like" (https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/jimmy-kimmel-hoped-right-support-free-speech-trump-charlie-kirk-1236523250/): “Well, you’d have to be naive not to worry a little bit. But that can’t change what you’re doing,” Kimmel told Variety's Todd Spangler (https://variety.com/2025/biz/news/donald-trump-attacks-news-media-first-amendment-1236460374/). “And maybe it is naive, but I have the hope that if and when the day comes that he does start coming after comedians, that even my colleagues on the right will support my right to say what I like. Now, I could be kidding myself, and hopefully we’ll never find out. But if we do, I would hope that the outrage is significant.” As Spangler points out, "now that Trump and his backers have succeeded in forcing Jimmy Kimmel Live! (for now) off the air, the MAGA-verse — supposedly, a group of full-throated supporters of free speech — has reacted with glee, not outrage."

Did Disney have NFL deal in mind when pulling Jimmy Kimmel? (https://awfulannouncing.com/politics/disney-nfl-deal-pulling-jimmy-kimmel-fcc-chairman.html)


The View was oddly silent about fellow ABC show Jimmy Kimmel Live!'s suspension — despite no ban on talking about it (https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/the-view-silent-jimmy-kimmel-live-suspended-1236374741/)

"You know how media figures make fun of Fox News when they ignore a huge story that makes President Trump look bad?" says The Hollywood Reporter's James Hibberd. "Something similar seemed to happen during The View on Thursday, which ignored the biggest media story in the country — Jimmy Kimmel Live! being suspended following the host’s controversial comments about suspected Charlie Kirk. The View panel was dead silent on the blockbuster controversy in their own network’s backyard. The show panel instead devoted their time to riveting topics such as Kash Patel’s congressional hearing and a discussion of RFK Jr." As Hibberd reports, "a source close to the show insists the panel was not forbidden from discussing Kimmel. It’s admittedly possible the panelists opted to self-censor during a period of internal crisis, as it’s difficult to imagine they didn’t find the topic compelling enough to discuss." Hibberd also notes that The View panelists weren't shy about talking about Stephen Colbert's cancelation in July.

Jimmy Fallon abruptly bows out of a New York City conference Thursday amid fallout over Jimmy Kimmel's suspension (https://deadline.com/2025/09/jimmy-fallon-abruptly-bows-out-late-night-kimmel-1236547957/)

“Unfortunately, Jimmy Fallon is no longer able to attend today’s session,” the Fast Company Innovation Festival said in a statement. Fallon and marketing executive Bozoma Saint John had been scheduled to discuss their new advertising-focused NBC series On Brand.

This kind of stuff happens in Russia and China. I never thought we would see it here.

It will be interesting to see if ABC stands up for him. I think he'll be back by September 29 for a week of shows in Brooklyn.

https://creators.yahoo.com/lifestyle/story/jimmy-kimmel-live-comes-to-brooklyn-this-september-and-october---heres-how-to-get-tickets-174253584.html
In China and Russia, he would be swimming at the bottom of the ocean for what he said.

Tonight will be another Celebrity Family Feud.

https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/tv/articles/jimmy-kimmel-live-replacement-named-144653862.html

On Friday night a Sinclair-produced special on Charlie Kirk will be offered to all ABC affiliates.

https://www.bizpacreview.com/2025/09/18/abc-to-air-charlie-kirk-remembrance-special-during-jimmy-kimmels-usual-timeslot-1586030/Offered but not taken. My affiliate, which isn't with Nexstar or Sinclair, will be airing Celebrity Family Feud again.

Offered but not taken. My affiliate, which isn't with Nexstar or Sinclair, will be airing Celebrity Family Feud again.

WRTV Indianapolis - same. Owned by Scripps.

In China and Russia, he would be swimming at the bottom of the ocean for what he said.

Exactly. In Russia, Putin's most vocal critics are poisoned, die in plane crashes, or mysteriously fall (pushed) out of windows. In the USA, they only try to get you removed from the air and canceled if you have the #1 rated late night show for nine consecutive seasons and are one of the major faces of a network like Stephen Colbert.

Jon Stewart to host tonight's The Daily Show in wake of Jimmy Kimmel's suspension (https://www.thewrap.com/the-daily-show-jon-stewart-host-thursday-jimmy-kimmel-suspension/)

Jon Stewart will take over The Daily Show desk on Thursday night to address Jimmy Kimmel's suspension by ABC (https://www.google.com/search?q=Inside+ABC%27s+suspension+decision+&sca_esv=a7bdc627b0636748&sxsrf=AE3TifP4Ci_jfsGvONtwkY8lWabImT_rPw%3A1758240054409&ei=Np3MaN_VGOjF0PEP2IrxqAw&ved=0ahUKEwjfyP3OwuOPAxXoIjQIHVhFHMUQ4dUDCBA&uact=5&oq=Inside+ABC%27s+suspension+decision+&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiIUluc2lkZSBBQkMncyBzdXNwZW5zaW9uIGRlY2lzaW9uIDIFECEYoAEyBRAhGKABMgUQIRirAkiKA1AAWKABcAF4AJABAJgBf6ABf6oBAzAuMbgBA8gBAPgBAfgBApgCAqACiAGoAhTCAgoQIxjwBRgnGOoCwgIHECMYJxjqAsICFBAAGIAEGJECGLQCGIoFGOoC2AEBwgIQEAAYAxi0AhjqAhiPAdgBAcICEBAuGAMYtAIY6gIYjwHYAQGYAwTxBRLDa8UdOG5nugYGCAEQARgBkgcDMS4xoAe1A7IHAzAuMbgHhAHCBwUwLjEuMcgHBQ&sclient=gws-wiz-serp).


Protesters picket at Disney Studios (https://www.hjnews.com/nation/jimmy-kimmel-disney-protest/image_5a947e73-5b82-5c1b-b36c-5c162af667b6.html)

Lost co-creator Damon Lindelof vows not to work for ABC or Disney again unless Jimmy Kimmel's suspension is lifted (https://deadline.com/2025/09/damon-lindelof-supports-jimmy-kimmel-boycotts-disney-1236548613/)

Exactly. In Russia, Putin's most vocal critics are poisoned, die in plane crashes, or mysteriously fall (pushed) out of windows. In the USA, they only try to get you removed from the air and canceled if you have the #1 rated late night show for nine consecutive seasons and are one of the major faces of a network like Stephen Colbert.

And he still gets to go back home to his mansion. In a few years or maybe months, when all this cools down, he will have another talk show gig on MSNBC.

And he still gets to go back home to his mansion. In a few years or maybe months, when all this cools down, he will have another talk show gig on MSNBC.

MSNBC will be called MS NOW in November.

ABC isn't exactly in a win-win situation no matter what they decide. His contract runs through May 2026. I don't know if they will eat the rest of that money. We'll see what happens.

Jimmy Kimmel's Cancelation Worse Than CBS Axing Stephen Colbert's Series (https://screenrant.com/jimmy-kimmel-cancelation-worse-than-stephen-colbert/)

The cancelation of Jimmy Kimmel Live! may seem similar to the cancelation (https://collider.com/jimmy-kimmel-stephen-colbert-free-speech-crisis-late-night/) of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert but it's actually so much worse.

Kimmel's Cancellation Sounds A Death Knell For Late Night - But A Surprising Network Could Resurrect It (https://screenrant.com/kimmel-cancellation-death-knell-late-night-canadian-streaming-save-explained/)

Jimmy Kimmel Live! has been suspended (https://collider.com/jimmy-kimmel-abc-suspension-charlie-kirk-explained/) - but could it move to a new home, and reinvigorate the dying late-night format?

Jimmy Kimmel Cancellation Sparks Industry War And Protests Decrying "Attack On Free Speech" (https://screenrant.com/jimmy-kimmel-cancellation-response-protest/)

Jimmy Kimmel's cancellation has prompted a massive industry outcry (https://collider.com/jimmy-kimmel-late-night-show-suspended-indefinitely-sag-aftra-wga-pga-afm-reaction/) as protestors gather outside the studio following its indefinite hiatus.

I didn't watch his show, but I hardly think that what he said called for cancellation.

ABC couldn't absorb the loss of two major station groups, Nexstar and Sinclair. I don't know the number of combined ABC affiliates, but it's a lot. They are really in a pickle now.

There used to be a "Seal of Good Practice" years ago--I'm not sure of the the details, but it might have been an agreement to use good judgment about what goes out on the airwaves. ABC could have bleeped the offensive line and saved themselves a lot of grief. The fact that they didn't shows poor judgment. Even if it's a live show, there's always a delay that would allow an edit.

I hope people fight back and get him back!!

Tonight will be another Celebrity Family Feud.

https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/tv/articles/jimmy-kimmel-live-replacement-named-144653862.html

On Friday night a Sinclair-produced special on Charlie Kirk will be offered to all ABC affiliates.

https://www.bizpacreview.com/2025/09/18/abc-to-air-charlie-kirk-remembrance-special-during-jimmy-kimmels-usual-timeslot-1586030/
That's exactly what my affiliate will do too, refusing to air it, and mines owned & operated.

_GXNJ3V9lzg

First, let's be clear, this is not a free speech issue. He was at work making jokes on the air about an assassination that had just taken place. ABC leans pretty far left from GMA to The View, to their nightly newscast, to their Sunday program, and this was even too much for the network. He wasn't suspended until he refused to apologize. Imagine the reverse, AOC on her recent coast to coast tour was assassinated and some comedian makes the same level of inappropriate comments that Kimmel made, what would the level of outrage be from the same people who are mislabeling this a free speech issue.

First, let's be clear, this is not a free speech issue.

The FCC chairman’s exact threat to ABC, just a few hours before the firing, was, “We can do this the easy way or the hard way. These companies can find ways to change conduct and take action, frankly, on Kimmel or there’s going to be additional work for the FCC ahead.”

The government put enormous pressure on ABC to fire Kimmel, and then they did. It absolutely is a free speech issue; it is the most egregious example I can remember of the American government interfering with the press, and the fact that it doesn’t send shivers down your spine is baffling.

This is fascism.

He was at work making jokes on the air about an assassination that had just taken place.

No one joked about the assassination. Any reasonable person, Jimmy Kimmel included, is horrified by it. In fact, the day of the assassination, Kimmel posted, “ Instead of the angry finger-pointing, can we just for one day agree that it is horrible and monstrous to shoot another human? On behalf of my family, we send love to the Kirks and to all the children, parents and innocents who fall victim to senseless gun violence.”

The bit that got Kimmel fired was merely a joke about MAGA’s rush to blame any marginalized community they could think of for the assassination before we knew the killer’s motives.

ABC leans pretty far left from GMA to The View, to their nightly newscast, to their Sunday program, and this was even too much for the network.The joke that got Kimmel fired was toward the beginning of Monday’s show. He then went back to work on Tuesday, recorded his show, and it was broadcast without impediment that night. He wasn’t fired until Wednesday, just before showtime.

So I ask you, Mr. Duster, if this was “too much for the network,” why didn’t they fire him Monday night? Or Tuesday? Or Wednesday morning?

Actually, I’ll answer that for you, Mr. Duster. It’s because it was a non-issue. No one cared until the FCC chairman made his threat on a podcast Wednesday morning. It soon became an insurmountable issue for ABC when Nexstar and Sinclair, the two largest ABC affiliate corporations in the country (who are notoriously right-wing) pre-empted the show.

Trump has been trying to get Kimmel fired for years. He has been signaling for two months, after Colbert’s cancellation, that Kimmel was “next.” And he was right.

He wasn't suspended until he refused to apologize.*Citation needed.

Kimmel will be back soon. We have the president of the United States on our side.



RESTORING FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND ENDING FEDERAL CENSORSHIP
The White House
January 20, 2025

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Purpose. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution, an amendment essential to the success of our Republic, enshrines the right of the American people to speak freely in the public square without Government interference

Sec. 2. Policy. It is the policy of the United States to: (a) secure the right of the American people to engage in constitutionally protected speech;

(b) ensure that no Federal Government officer, employee, or agent engages in or facilitates any conduct that would unconstitutionally abridge the free speech of any American citizen;

https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/restoring-freedom-of-speech-and-ending-federal-censorship/

Duster, ABC did not want to do this. They were threatened with their broadcast license being removed by the FCC chairman who is abusing his power. Also, Nexstar which owns a lot of ABC affiliates raised a big fuss about Jimmy Kimmel.

The season finale of Who Wants to be a Millionaire? hosted by Jimmy is scheduled for next Thursday at 8:00/7:00 on a special night. Being a game show that is probably still safe from threats for now.

Kimmel will be back soon. We have the president of the United States on our side.



RESTORING FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND ENDING FEDERAL CENSORSHIP
The White House
January 20, 2025

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Purpose. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution, an amendment essential to the success of our Republic, enshrines the right of the American people to speak freely in the public square without Government interference

Sec. 2. Policy. It is the policy of the United States to: (a) secure the right of the American people to engage in constitutionally protected speech;

(b) ensure that no Federal Government officer, employee, or agent engages in or facilitates any conduct that would unconstitutionally abridge the free speech of any American citizen;

https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/restoring-freedom-of-speech-and-ending-federal-censorship/

Rereading this a few times, it becomes more and more frighteningly hypocritical.

_GXNJ3V9lzg

Jon Stewart responds to Jimmy Kimmel's suspension with a "patriotically obedient" Daily Show (https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/stephen-colbert-rips-abc-pulling-kimmel-censorship-1236522765/)

Duster, ABC did not want to do this. They were threatened with their broadcast license being removed by the FCC chairman who is abusing his power. Also, Nexstar which owns a lot of ABC affiliates raised a big fuss about Jimmy Kimmel.


ABC helped Trump censor Jimmy Kimmel "the easy way" (https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/18/media/brendan-carr-jimmy-kimmel-fcc-first-amendment)

Trump floats pulling licenses if networks are against him (https://www.politico.com/news/2025/09/18/trump-floats-stripping-networks-critical-of-him-of-their-broadcast-licenses-00571953)

FCC chair threatens The View again (https://www.thewrap.com/fcc-chair-brendan-carr-threatens-the-view-abc-jimmy-kimmel-suspension/)

Jimmy Kimmel’s Charlie Kirk shooter monologue comment was "a mess, and a miss, which gets less clear the more you look at it." (https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/jimmy-kimmel-charlie-kirk-comments-interpretation-1236375214/)

Speech in broadcasting has been regulated since the Communications Act of 1934, and it's always been controversial. The FCC has always been controversial. FCC Chairman Minnow in the 1960s called TV a "vast wasteland."

If you Google "Do networks have broadcast licenses?" AI will says yes. Technically, local stations which re-transmit network programming are licensed, not the legacy networks (although the networks have a small number [around 5] of owned and operated local stations). So, yes, if you could call Sinclair and Nexstar "networks", they are licensed. Sinclair wields power, as does Nexstar, since they've gobbled up a lot of local stations.

So, with mergers local stations have become way more powerful than in the past. With this latest controversy we have two powerful owners of many local stations (Sinclair and Nexstar) saying no to carrying this content. Possibly or probably prodded by an FCC Commissioner. Nexstar is poised to become even more powerful by merging with another local station owner, Tegna.

What could ABC do? For one, they could bypass the local stations and stream the content.

Besides the president we also have the head of the FCC on our side. This whole misunderstanding will be fixed shortly

325594

Rereading this a few times, it becomes more and more frighteningly hypocritical.

Rules for thee but not for me.

Besides the president we also have the head of the FCC on our side. This whole misunderstanding will be fixed shortly

325594

There's always a tweet or excretion as some call it.

Is it just me or is Brendan Carr the oldest looking 46-year-old ever? I couldn't believe it when I read his Wikipedia page. The job is going to age him quickly. What a goon.

Former Disney CEO Michael Eisner Slams Bob Iger Over Kimmel Suspension: ‘Where Has All the Leadership Gone?’ (https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/celebrity/articles/former-disney-ceo-michael-eisner-181858388.html)

Former Disney CEO Michael Eisner (https://www.reddit.com/r/disney/comments/1nlborf/former_disney_ceo_eisner_backs_jimmy_kimmel/) slammed (https://www.google.com/search?q=Former+Disney+CEO+Michael+Eisner%2C+who+oversaw+ABC%E2%80%99s+hiring+of+Jimmy+Kimmel%2C+rips+Disney+for+bowing+to+Trump%3A+%22Where+has+all+the+leadership+gone%3F%22&oq=Former+Disney+CEO+Michael+Eisner%2C+who+oversaw+ABC%E2%80%99s+hiring+of+Jimmy+Kimmel%2C+rips+Disney+for+bowing+to+Trump%3A+%22Where+has+all+the+leadership+gone%3F%22&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOdIBCDY3MWowajE1qAIMsAIB8QWM0dhbZAWmdvEFjNHYW2QFpnY&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8) Bob Iger over (https://www.google.com/search?q=Michael+Eisner+rips+Disney%27s+suspension+of+Jimmy+Kimmel&sca_esv=e7fb2861e3919c2e&sxsrf=AE3TifO4tdKN6czg9K_sUjxcTZV6goLeuw%3A1758325472558&ei=4OrNaN3mIYLE0PEPmKLC0AI&ved=0ahUKEwjd1sPpgOaPAxUCIjQIHRiRECoQ4dUDCBA&uact=5&oq=Michael+Eisner+rips+Disney%27s+suspension+of+Jimmy+Kimmel&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiN01pY2hhZWwgRWlzbmVyIHJpcHMgRGlzbmV5J3Mgc3VzcGVuc2lvbiBvZiBKaW1teSBLaW1tZWwyBRAhGKABMgUQIRigATIFECEYoAEyBRAhGKABMgUQIRirAkjDBlCmAlimAnABeACQAQCYAW6gAW6qAQMwLjG4AQPIAQD4AQH4AQKYAgKgAnuoAhTCAgcQIxgnGOoCwgIUEC4YgAQYkQIYtAIYigUY6gLYAQHCAhQQABiABBiRAhi0AhiKBRjqAtgBAcICEBAuGAMYtAIY6gIYjwHYAQHCAhAQABgDGLQCGOoCGI8B2AEBmAMH8QWJcDrBLV3ByLoGBggBEAEYAZIHAzEuMaAHxwayBwMwLjG4B3TCBwUwLjEuMcgHCA&sclient=gws-wiz-serp) Jimmy Kimmel's suspension (https://www.reddit.com/r/disney/comments/1nju2fp/disney_fires_jimmy_kimmel_for_telling_the_truth/), questioning his leadership (https://www.reddit.com/r/television/comments/1nlc1co/michael_eisner_rips_disney_brass_for_jimmy_kimmel/).


Conan O'Brien says suspension "should disturb everyone" (https://deadline.com/2025/09/conan-obrien-jimmy-kimmel-suspension-reaction-1236549726/)

Ted Cruz compares FCC chair's rhetoric to Goodfellas (https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/19/politics/ted-cruz-fcc-abc-mob)

Disney Plus Subscribers Quit in Droves Over Jimmy Kimmel Axe (https://www.newsweek.com/disney-plus-subscribers-quit-jimmy-kimmel-axe-2132535)

Jimmy Kimmel and Disney Work to Reach Compromise to Bring His Show Back; Insiders caution that no agreement is in sight but discussions continue as Kimmel weighs concerns about staff job losses if show ends (https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/jimmy-kimmel-abc-disney-late-night-comeback-1236524695/)

Andor’ Writer Dan Gilroy On Disney Suspending Jimmy Kimmel & Hollywood Facing Venomous Evil (https://deadline.com/2025/09/andor-dan-gilroy-jimmy-kimmel-commentary-1236549627/)

Jay Leno Voices Support For Jimmy Kimmel (https://deadline.com/2025/09/jay-leno-jimmy-kimmel-1236549598/)

ABC Has No Good Options in Resolving the Jimmy Kimmel Crisis (https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/abc-no-good-options-jimmy-kimmel-crisis-1236524314/)

Disney in Crisis Mode as Studio Seeks Path for Jimmy Kimmel’s Return (https://www.thewrap.com/will-jimmy-kimmel-return-abc-disney/)

How Jimmy Kimmel May Have Been Sacrificed for a Billion Dollar Deal (https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/jimmy-kimmel-nexstar-merger-sook-1236375489/)

Jimmy [Fallon] Reacts to Kimmel's Suspension After FCC Pressure; Trump Wraps Up U.K. Visit | The Tonight Show (https://www.reddit.com/r/television/comments/1nl126m/jimmy_fallon_reacts_to_kimmels_suspension_after/)

The Late Show - We Are All Jimmy Kimmel | The Easy Way Or The Hard Way | Trump Urges NBC To Cancel Fallon And Mey… (https://www.reddit.com/r/television/comments/1nktbni/the_late_show_we_are_all_jimmy_kimmel_the_easy/)

ABC Affiliate in Sacramento Hit by Gunshots a Day After Kimmel Protest (https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/abc-affiliate-sacramento-gunfire-kimmel-protest-1236524751/)

Disney Is Scrambling After The Backlash To Jimmy Kimmel's Cancellation Blew Up (https://screenrant.com/disney-scrambling-after-jimmy-kimmel-fcc-cancellation-backlash/)

The Backlash To Disney's Cancellation Of Jimmy Kimmel Has Been Extreme: Here's Why (https://screenrant.com/jimmy-kimmel-live-disney-suspension-cancellation-backlash-explained/)

Things are going to crap!!

ABC threw Jimmy Kimmel under the bus after decades of loyalty (https://variety.com/2025/tv/columns/abc-jimmy-kimmel-late-night-tv-future-1236522762/)



David Letterman, who texted with Jimmy Kimmel this morning, says "you can’t go around firing somebody because you’re fearful or trying to suck up to an authoritarian criminal administration in the Oval Office” (https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/david-letterman-slams-jimmy-kimmel-suspension-1236523616/)

“This is misery,” Letterman, Kimmel's longtime idol, said today at The Atlantic Festival (https://x.com/TheAtlantic/status/1968757190463717728) when asked about Jimmy Kimmel Live!'s suspension in New York City, according to Variety. “I feel bad about this,” said Letterman. “We see where this is all going, correct? It’s managed media. And it’s no good. It’s silly. It’s ridiculous. And you can’t go around firing somebody because you’re fearful or trying to suck up to an authoritarian criminal administration in the Oval Office. That’s just not how this works.” Letterman added: “The institution of the president of the United States ought to be bigger than a guy doing a talk show.” Letterman also revealed Kimmel texted him this morning. “He’s up in bed, he’s taking nourishment,” Letterman said.

ALSO:


Barack Obama slams Jimmy Kimmel's ABC suspension (https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/barack-obama-trump-jimmy-kimmel-suspension-1236523291/): “After years of complaining about cancel culture, the current administration has taken it to a new and dangerous level by routinely threatening regulatory action against media companies unless they muzzle or fire reporters and commentators it doesn’t like,” the former president, a four-time Jimmy Kimmel Live! guest, wrote on Twitter (https://x.com/BarackObama/status/1968679169937612849) on Thursday, linking to Yahoo News’ reposting (https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/let-clear-happened-jimmy-kimmel-025000655.html) of a Vox article that calls the Kimmel suspension “Trump’s most brazen attack on free speech yet.” (https://www.vox.com/politics/461887/jimmy-kimmel-suspension-air-abc-charlie-kirk-nexstar)

President Trump says Jimmy Kimmel “was fired” due to "lack of talent" (https://www.mediaite.com/politics/trump-wildly-claims-jimmy-kimmel-was-fired-for-lack-of-talent-when-pressed-on-free-speech-in-the-us/): "Kimmel was fired because he had bad ratings more than anything else, and he said a horrible thing about a great gentleman known as Charlie Kirk," the president said in a joint press conference in Britain with UK Prime Minister Keir Starner. "And Jimmy Kimmel is not a talented person. He had very bad ratings, and they should have fired him a long time ago; so, you know, you can call that free speech or not. He was fired for lack of talent."

Fox News' Greg Gutfeld rips Jimmy Kimmel: "I hate to tell you buddy, but the guy who shot and killed Charlie Kirk was more likely a fan of yours" (https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/greg-gutfeld-jimmy-kimmel-charlie-kirk-1236374690/)

House Democratic leaders blast FCC Chairman Brendan Carr for a “corrupt abuse of power” (https://deadline.com/2025/09/jimmy-kimmel-charlie-kirk-democratic-leaders-1236547895/)

Democratic U.S. Rep Eric Swalwell wears a Jimmy Kimmel Live! hat in Congress (https://bsky.app/profile/acyn.bsky.social/post/3lz4qn2atw22w)

Stephen Colbert will likely discuss Jimmy Kimmel's suspension tonight with guests Jake Tapper of CNN and The New Yorker editor David Remnick (https://x.com/brianstelter/status/1968726856158318915)

Over the summer, Jimmy Kimmel expressed hope that if Trump went after him, "my colleagues on the right will support my right to say what I like" (https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/jimmy-kimmel-hoped-right-support-free-speech-trump-charlie-kirk-1236523250/): “Well, you’d have to be naive not to worry a little bit. But that can’t change what you’re doing,” Kimmel told Variety's Todd Spangler (https://variety.com/2025/biz/news/donald-trump-attacks-news-media-first-amendment-1236460374/). “And maybe it is naive, but I have the hope that if and when the day comes that he does start coming after comedians, that even my colleagues on the right will support my right to say what I like. Now, I could be kidding myself, and hopefully we’ll never find out. But if we do, I would hope that the outrage is significant.” As Spangler points out, "now that Trump and his backers have succeeded in forcing Jimmy Kimmel Live! (for now) off the air, the MAGA-verse — supposedly, a group of full-throated supporters of free speech — has reacted with glee, not outrage."

Did Disney have NFL deal in mind when pulling Jimmy Kimmel? (https://awfulannouncing.com/politics/disney-nfl-deal-pulling-jimmy-kimmel-fcc-chairman.html)


The View was oddly silent about fellow ABC show Jimmy Kimmel Live!'s suspension — despite no ban on talking about it (https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/the-view-silent-jimmy-kimmel-live-suspended-1236374741/)

"You know how media figures make fun of Fox News when they ignore a huge story that makes President Trump look bad?" says The Hollywood Reporter's James Hibberd. "Something similar seemed to happen during The View on Thursday, which ignored the biggest media story in the country — Jimmy Kimmel Live! being suspended following the host’s controversial comments about suspected Charlie Kirk. The View panel was dead silent on the blockbuster controversy in their own network’s backyard. The show panel instead devoted their time to riveting topics such as Kash Patel’s congressional hearing and a discussion of RFK Jr." As Hibberd reports, "a source close to the show insists the panel was not forbidden from discussing Kimmel. It’s admittedly possible the panelists opted to self-censor during a period of internal crisis, as it’s difficult to imagine they didn’t find the topic compelling enough to discuss." Hibberd also notes that The View panelists weren't shy about talking about Stephen Colbert's cancelation in July.

Jimmy Fallon abruptly bows out of a New York City conference Thursday amid fallout over Jimmy Kimmel's suspension (https://deadline.com/2025/09/jimmy-fallon-abruptly-bows-out-late-night-kimmel-1236547957/)

“Unfortunately, Jimmy Fallon is no longer able to attend today’s session,” the Fast Company Innovation Festival said in a statement. Fallon and marketing executive Bozoma Saint John had been scheduled to discuss their new advertising-focused NBC series On Brand.

The View's Jimmy Kimmel silence shows the chilling effects of Disney suspension (https://variety.com/2025/tv/columns/the-view-whoopi-goldberg-jimmy-kimmel-1236524681/)

Andor writer: "This isn’t a skirmish. It’s a siege" (https://deadline.com/2025/09/andor-dan-gilroy-jimmy-kimmel-commentary-1236549627/)

Jimmy Kimmel and Disney Working to Reach Compromise to Bring His Show Back (https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/jimmy-kimmel-abc-disney-late-night-comeback-1236524695/)

Sep 19, 2025 4:27pm PT

Jimmy Kimmel and Disney are working toward reaching a compromise (https://www.lipstickalley.com/threads/jimmy-kimmel-and-disney-working-to-reach-compromise-to-bring-his-show-back.5986172/) that would allow “Jimmy Kimmel Live” to return to ABC.

The veteran host’s business and legal representatives are deep in discussions with Disney and ABC leaders in the hopes of finding a path to a compromise that would allow for the return of “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” according to three people with knowledge of the situation.

The host has made no public comment since the show was abruptly pulled from its regular 11:35 p.m. slot on Sept. 17, with Disney saying only that the program would be off of its schedule “indefinitely” after one of the biggest owners of TV stations in the U.S., Nexstar, said it intended to pre-empt airings of the program following remarks the host made in relation to Trump and the slaying of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Sinclair, another large station owner, said it too was taking Kimmel off of its stations. Kimmel has hosted ABC’s late-night franchise since 2003 and in recent years has become a key face of the network as the host of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,” the Academy Awards and other specials.

There is no guarantee Kimmel and Disney will come to terms on agreement to return to the airwaves, these people cautioned. Nor is it clear where Kimmel’s mindset stands on what he would and would not accept from ABC as conditions of taking the stage again for “Jimmy Kimmel Live.” It’s understood that Kimmel is mindful of the effects a shutdown would have on dozens of his production staffers as well as vendors in Los Angeles who work on the show, according to one source with knowledge of the situation. The host is also aware some staff and crew members are still digging out of the financial hole created by the months-long writers and actors strikes in 2023.

Disney representatives declined to comment. Kimmel’s media representative did not respond to requests for comment.

The incendiary situation around Kimmel has unleashed a torrent of criticism of Disney from the left and right. Free speech advocates have decried the company’s swift move to take Kimmel off the air. Conservatives have cheered and Trump has reiterated his threat to push for broadcast networks to lose their licenses for allowing anti-Trump and anti-MAGA voices on their airwaves. Demonstrations erupted on Thursday outside Disney offices in New York and Burbank and outside the theater complex in Hollywood where “Jimmy Kimmel Live” is produced.

There is no doubt that Kimmel and Disney need to proceed with caution. The company needs many TV stations to distribute “Jimmy Kimmel Live” across the U.S. if it is to generate the ratings the network has guaranteed to advertisers. Ad spending on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” totaled $51.1 million in 2024, according to data from Guideline, a tracker of ad spending, accounting for 21% of all advertising on late night programs.

It’s understood that ABC and Disney brass had been flagging concerns to Kimmel for some time about the sharpness of his critiques of President Donald Trump and his unprecedented takeover of federal agencies. Kimmel has, like other commentators, not held back in his disdain for the Trump administration’s campaign with Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers to round up suspected undocumented immigrants on the streets and in workplaces, without regard for constitutional norms of due process and equal justice.

At the same time, Kimmel’s remarks on Monday about how conservatives were using Kirk’s death to make political points and about President Trump’s muted reaction to the matter while talking to reporters has spurred a Republican crusade. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr threatened earlier on Wednesday to take action against ABC. After Disney’s decision was revealed, Carr said he wanted “to thank Nexstar for doing the right thing” in a statement on social media. “Local broadcasters have an obligation to serve the public interest. While this may be an unprecedented decision, it is important for broadcasters to push back on Disney programming that they determine falls short of community.” Since that time, Carr has made more statements suggesting he might investigate other Disney shows, like “The View.”

As the controversy swirled, Disney executives felt they had no choice but to bump Kimmel in order to let the MAGA media-fueled controversy subside.

All the media companies involved are likely to have matters under government review in months to come. Nexstar is in the midst of trying to acquire another large TV station owner, Tegna, for $6.2 billion, a transaction that requires the approval of the FCC. A Nexstar spokesman has said Carr’s comments had no bearing on its decision to pre-empt Kimmel’s show. Sinclair last month announced a “comprehensive strategic review” of its broadcast business; any M&A involving local TV stations would be subject to FCC review and approval.

Disney, too, will require government permission to move forward in some critical business initiatives. The company has secured a deal that will give the National Football League a 10% stake in its giant ESPN sports-media outlet, and is also working to buy a majority stake in the Fubo live-streaming service and merge it with a similar product tied to live viewing TV networks via its own Hulu.

Free speech advocates from both sides of the political aisle have decried the moves that forced Kimmel’s show off the air. Both Senator Ted Cruz, a Republican from Texas, and the American Civil Liberties Union, have suggested that government should not silence dissenting voices in America, as the ability to speak one’s mind is paramount in the U.S.

Kimmel, who has hosted his late night program on ABC since 2003, has in recent years weighed when he might step down from his midnight duties. People who know him say he is closer to the end of his late-night tenure than the beginning. But he also knows that the show helps him with other Disney-backed activities, such as hosting the current edition of ABC’s “Who Wants To Be a Millionaire,” and other projects.

The host knows he has better roads to take to an exit, and Disney seemed interested in working with him to draw a map.

ABC should be ashamed of themselves for doing this JUST BECAUSE SOMEONE DOESNT LIKE HIM!!

When you've lost Dude111, you know it bothers him. He's the voice of reason.

If they cancel the Brooklyn shows for the week of September 29, then I think he's done at ABC. It looks like they halted ticket distribution for now.

https://1iota.com/show/250/kimmel-in-brooklyn

Will 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' Keep Upcoming Scheduled Run in Brooklyn? (https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-news/jimmy-kimmel-cancellation-brooklyn-shows-1235430949/)

Sources close to the production tell Rolling Stone that trucks containing the show’s staging are due to leave Los Angeles today, Sept. 19, in order to make the cross-country trek to New York. To relocate the show for five days is a costly move: north of $5 million, estimates an industry insider. Video showing members of Kimmel’s Hollywood crew packing up gear surfaced on social media yesterday, adding to the confusion — and speculation (was Margo Price Kimmel’s last-ever guest?) — about whether the show will ever return to air. (Representatives for ABC and Kimmel did not respond to requests for comment.)

At some point we’re going to find out the whole thing was masterminded by Matt Damon, aren’t we.

ABC should be ashamed of themselves for doing this JUST BECAUSE SOMEONE DOESNT LIKE HIM!!

The "someone" is/are a huge chunk of ABC stations, which announced they would not carry the show. In addition, Sinclair made some ridiculous demands of Kimmel himself before they would agree to reinstate the show. If anything, this should give regulators pause in allowing these unending broadcast mergers, which have gone on for years and have obviously gotten out of hand.

ABC has taken a ton of criticism for suspending the show. I'd kind of like to know what they should have done. My take is, they had no logical choice. They could have continued the show without a huge chunk of stations, but is that a viable alternative? I don't know.

Could they have put it on streaming, as I suggested in an earlier post? Again I don't know, that may be too simplistic an answer.

What could ABC have done to prevent this whole situation? They probably have standards and practices. They could have exercised some control over their content.

Did it violate FCC rules? Doubtful. That could be what the FCC might conclude, if they were to investigate it. Did the FCC Chairman over-reach with his comments? Probably, but that's what Federal regulators usually do.

When you've lost Dude111, you know it bothers him. He's the voice of reason.


When I agree with both Dude and Ted Cruz you know the world has officially gone topsy turvy.

Senator Ted Cruz says US broadcast regulator acted like 'mafioso' on Jimmy Kimmel (https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1kwzgrwdd0o)

Tonight will be another Celebrity Family Feud.

https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/tv/articles/jimmy-kimmel-live-replacement-named-144653862.html

On Friday night a Sinclair-produced special on Charlie Kirk will be offered to all ABC affiliates.

https://www.bizpacreview.com/2025/09/18/abc-to-air-charlie-kirk-remembrance-special-during-jimmy-kimmels-usual-timeslot-1586030/

Sinclair's ABC stations back out of airing Charlie Kirk tribute in Jimmy Kimmel's time slot at the last minute (https://www.reddit.com/r/television/comments/1nlpcm4/sinclairs_abc_stations_back_out_of_airing_charlie/)

When Sinclair (https://www.reddit.com/r/television/comments/1nm6io6/here_is_the_list_of_sinclair_and_nextstar_media/) pulled Jimmy Kimmel earlier this week they made an additional announcement that their ABC stations would air a Charlie Kirk tribute at 11:35pm ET Friday night (Jimmy Kimmel's normal time slot).

Instead at 11:24pm ET (11 minutes before airtime) Sinclair put out a tweet (https://pbs.twimg.com/media/G1QmYaXXEAEA2QU?format=jpg&name=medium) saying they would air normal ABC programming (Celebrity Family Feud reruns) and the tribute would be on their YouTube channel instead.

The "someone" is/are a huge chunk of ABC stations, which announced they would not carry the show. In addition, Sinclair made some ridiculous demands of Kimmel himself before they would agree to reinstate the show. If anything, this should give regulators pause in allowing these unending broadcast mergers, which have gone on for years and have obviously gotten out of hand.

ABC has taken a ton of criticism for suspending the show.Ya its all a bunch of political BS... I think all this stuff has ruined this country. All this politically correct garbage,etc.........

I dont watch any of it buddy!!!

Spectrum being overly optimistic about tomorrow (and last week’s listings in the time slot had changed to Celebrity Family Feud, so they weren’t just leaving things as originally scheduled)

325640

Jon Stewart responds to Jimmy Kimmel's suspension with a "patriotically obedient" Daily Show (https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/stephen-colbert-rips-abc-pulling-kimmel-censorship-1236522765/)

Jon Stewart’s Daily Show Rant Perfectly Communicates A Core Kimmel Concern (https://screenrant.com/the-daily-show-jon-stewart-jimmy-kimmel-response-perfect-communicator/)

Jon Stewart’s surprise The Daily Show appearance nailed down one of the most widely misunderstood concerns about Jimmy Kimmel’s ABC situation.

Funny ending

www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3wP_WjHf7s

Ah man!!


Besides the president we also have the head of the FCC on our side. This whole misunderstanding will be fixed shortlyYes I hope so!!

Jimmy Kimmel's show returning on Tuesday, ABC announces

>>>Jimmy Kimmel's late-night show will return to ABC's airwaves on Tuesday, nearly a week after it was suspended<<<

https://www.nbcnews.com/business/media/jimmy-kimmel-abc-return-tuesday-rcna232335

And he still gets to go back home to his mansion. In a few years or maybe months, when all this cools down, he will have another talk show gig on MSNBC.

Cooler heads have prevailed. I guess the talk show gig on MSNBC won't be happening.

It looks like you will have to continue to not watch his show until at least next May when his contract expires unless they suspend him again.

Jimmy Kimmel Is Back: ABC Returning Late-Night Show On Tuesday (https://deadline.com/2025/09/jimmy-kimmel-returning-abc-1236552451/)

Some surprise content for tonight's replacement: Celebrity Family Feud.

Per the on-screen TV Guide. I didn't google any verification.

This whole misunderstanding will be fixed shortlyWow you were right Opus!!

I love ya so much honey!!

Sinclair stations will not carry Kimmel

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/sinclair-preempt-jimmy-kimmel-live-return-abc-1236377475/

Sinclair stations will not carry Kimmel

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/sinclair-preempt-jimmy-kimmel-live-return-abc-1236377475/

Hope they all get WPLG’d. Sinclair needs ABC more than ABC needs Sinclair. If ABC was willing to move to a .2 in market #18, they can do it in any of the next 200 markets, as well.

Another article --

https://www.msn.com/en-us/tv/news/38-stations-owned-by-sinclair-wont-air-jimmy-kimmel-return/ar-AA1N5SE5

Supposedly negotiations continue to get the show back on those 38 stations.

Hope they all get WPLG’d. Sinclair needs ABC more than ABC needs Sinclair. If ABC was willing to move to a .2 in market #18, they can do it in any of the next 200 markets, as well.

I guess it depends on how much money Sinclair stations can get from car-dealer and ambulance-chasing-attorney ads.

Sinclair sucks.......

All he made was a stupid comment!!!

‘JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE’ RETURNS TUESDAY, SEPT. 23

Guests To Include Glen Powell, Ethan Hawke, Peyton Manning and More, Sept. 23-26

ABC’s Emmy® Award-winning late-night talk show, “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” airs every weeknight at 11:35 p.m. EDT and features a diverse lineup of guests that includes celebrities, athletes, musical acts, comedians and human-interest subjects, along with comedy bits and a house band.

The following episodes are scheduled to air the week of Sept. 23-26 (subject to change):

Tuesday, Sept. 23
1. Glen Powell (“Chad Powers”) 2. Musical Guest Sarah McLachlan

Wednesday, Sept. 24
1. Ethan Hawke (“The Lowdown”) 2. Lisa Ann Walter (“Abbott Elementary”) 3. Musical Guest YUNGBLUD

Thursday, Sept. 25
1. Peyton Manning (“Chad Powers”) 2. Oscar Nuñez (“Who Wants To Be A Millionaire” and “The Paper”) 3. Musical Guest Alex G

Friday, Sept. 26
TBC

‘JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE’ RETURNS TUESDAY, SEPT. 23

Guests To Include Glen Powell, Ethan Hawke, Peyton Manning and More, Sept. 23-26

ABC’s Emmy® Award-winning late-night talk show, “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” airs every weeknight at 11:35 p.m. EDT and features a diverse lineup of guests that includes celebrities, athletes, musical acts, comedians and human-interest subjects, along with comedy bits and a house band.

The following episodes are scheduled to air the week of Sept. 23-26 (subject to change):

Tuesday, Sept. 23
1. Glen Powell (“Chad Powers”) 2. Musical Guest Sarah McLachlan

Wednesday, Sept. 24
1. Ethan Hawke (“The Lowdown”) 2. Lisa Ann Walter (“Abbott Elementary”) 3. Musical Guest YUNGBLUD

Thursday, Sept. 25
1. Peyton Manning (“Chad Powers”) 2. Oscar Nuñez (“Who Wants To Be A Millionaire” and “The Paper”) 3. Musical Guest Alex G

Friday, Sept. 26
TBC

Not really into any of those guests, but I’m definitely watching the monologue tonight.

Posted today

DO88ZNDiWAg

I miss Norman too. He gave us the best people.

Jimmy Kimmel posts a photo of him and Norman Lear, who was on President Richard Nixon's "enemies list," ahead of his return from suspension (https://people.com/jimmy-kimmel-breaks-silence-in-first-post-since-suspension-photo-norman-lear-11815505)

As People points out, Kimmel (https://screenrant.com/db/tv-show/jimmy-kimmel-live/)’s photo choice is notable given Lear was famously outspoken in his opposition to the FCC and its rulings during his own career. When Lear died at age 101 in December 2023, Kimmel said he was "not only a giant in the world of television, but a great man who was one of the most important and impressive people I ever had the pleasure of meeting. He changed situation comedy in the best possible way. He taught us so much about so many serious things, always making us laugh while he did it, and everyone who works in or even watches television owes him a great debt. Especially me.”

ALSO:


Glen Powell and Sarah McLachlan will be tonight’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! guests, both promoting Disney projects (https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/jimmy-kimmel-guests-suspension-glen-powell-sarah-mclachlan-1236527249/): Both will be promoting projects for Disney-owned Hulu: Chad Powers and Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery – The Untold Story, respectively. MacLachlan made headlines on Sunday for declining to perform at the Lilith Fair premiere event in solidarity with Kimmel.

Jimmy Kimmel's monologue tonight is a rare opportunity for grace, empathy and healing: “He is an empath in a medium often starved for empathy” (https://www.mediaite.com/opinion/jimmy-kimmels-return-a-rare-chance-for-grace-empathy-and-healing/)

FCC chair Brendan Carr celebrates TV stations refusing to air Jimmy Kimmel Live!'s return (https://people.com/fcc-chairman-brendan-carr-celebrates-tv-stations-that-wont-air-jimmy-kimmel-live-11814963)

Howard Stern takes credit for Jimmy Kimmel's reinstatement (https://www.thedailybeast.com/howard-stern-takes-full-credit-for-jimmy-kimmels-return/)

Did Disney+ subscription cancelations lead to Jimmy Kimmel’s reinstatement? (https://www.cracked.com/article_48468_are-subscription-cancellations-really-the-reason-jimmy-kimmel-is-back.html?newsletter-cat=movies-tv)

Did Noah Centineo sign up for Disney+ just so he could cancel it in support of Jimmy Kimmel? (https://www.thedailybeast.com/noah-centineo-caught-signing-up-for-disney-just-so-he-could-cancel-it/)

Where in America can you watch Jimmy Kimmel Live! tonight? (https://www.vulture.com/article/how-to-watch-jimmy-kimmel-live-markets-airing-sinclair-nexstar.html)

How to watch Jimmy Kimmel Live! if you live if you’re ABC station is one of the 23% that is continuing to pre-empt the show (https://variety.com/2025/shopping/news/how-to-watch-jimmy-kimmel-late-show-live-online-1236527294/)

Nexstar to continue pre-empting Jimmy Kimmel Live! (https://www.thewrap.com/nexstar-will-not-air-jimmy-kimmel-live-return/)

Will Jimmy Kimmel go after Trump with the same ferocity when he returns from suspension? (https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-09-22/please-jimmy-dont-back-down-making-fun-of-trump-is-your-patriotic-duty)

Jon Stewart celebrates Kimmel reinstatement (https://people.com/jon-stewart-speaks-out-after-jimmy-kimmel-live-restored-11814908)

Sinclair stations will continue to pre-empt Jimmy Kimmel Live! (https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/what-know-about-sinclair-media-giant-pre-empting-jimmy-kimmel-live)

Stephen Colbert celebrates ABC lifting Jimmy Kimmel's suspension, joking: "Once more, I am the only martyr in late nights." (https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/stephen-colbert-jimmy-kimmel-return-abc-ends-suspension-1236526652/)

John Oliver calls out Disney over Jimmy Kimmel suspension: “History is … gonna remember the cowards" (https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-news/john-oliver-jimmy-kimmel-last-week-tonight-charlie-kirk-1235432104/)

Howard Stern cancels Disney+ subscription (https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/howard-stern-cancels-disney-plus-jimmy-kimmel-suspended-1236526075/)

Greg Gutfeld says Kimmel should be back on air (https://www.pajiba.com/news/greg-gutfeld-and-the-view-finally-weigh-in-on-the-kimmel-suspension.php)


Why didn't Jimmy Fallon acknowledge Jimmy Kimmel's ABC reinstatement? (https://www.cracked.com/article_48464_jimmy-fallon-was-the-only-late-night-host-to-ignore-jimmy-kimmels-return.html)

While other late-night hosts celebrated Monday's news, Fallon was strangely silent. Did the Kimmel announcement, made around 3:30 p.m. ET, arrive too late for Monday's Tonight Show taping? ALSO: Jimmy Fallon laughs when Sean Penn pulls out a message telling the FCC to "SUCK LESS." (https://people.com/jimmy-fallon-laughs-sean-penn-tells-fcc-suck-less-ahead-of-jimmy-kimmel-live-return-11814964)

I guess it depends on how much money Sinclair stations can get from car-dealer and ambulance-chasing-attorney ads.

Live sports could be collateral in programming battles with local affiliates (https://awfulannouncing.com/abc/live-sports-collateral-programming-local-affiliates.html)

As Jimmy Kimmel returns, and companies like Nexstar and Sinclair preempt the comedian, a game of cat and mouse is taking shape.


Monday musings: Sports, leverage, and the future of broadcast TV (https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/09/monday-musings-sports-leverage-future-broadcast-tv/)

Nexstar has also dropped JK Live for the foreseeable future.

https://deadline.com/2025/09/nexstar-jimmy-kimmel-charlie-kirk-1236547382/

According to a local radio broadcast here, the show will be unavailable in 12 of the 50 largest markets.

Part of what Jimmy Kimmel said in tonight's return

https://tvline.com/news/jimmy-kimmel-return-abc-monologue-video-charlie-kirk-trump-1235516922/

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Hope they all get WPLG’d. Sinclair needs ABC more than ABC needs Sinclair. If ABC was willing to move to a .2 in market #18, they can do it in any of the next 200 markets, as well.

I’m not sure what was meant by WPLG’d. WPLG dropped ABC officially in August, but I believe the announcement was made in June. This was months before the brouhaha. ABC wanted too much money to continue affiliation; WPLG said no thanks.

So, one could say that WPLG was ABC’d.

I live 22 miles from Miami. WSVN 7 (Fox) picked up ABC as channel 7.2 and 18.1, now called ABC Miami. I assume that WSVN HAD to add a “.1” so as not to discourage political ads, Morgan & Morgan Law, car dealers, etc.

WPLG now is running as an indie, similar to WJXT Jacksonville. I believe they are co-owned—at least their homepage layouts are the same. WJXT has been indie for 20 years; they must be doing fine.

And I do recall post 1 saying “No politics”….. Such are message boards. Sigh.

cd

I’m not sure what was meant by WPLG’d. WPLG dropped ABC officially in August, but I believe the announcement was made in June. This was months before the brouhaha. ABC wanted too much money to continue affiliation; WPLG said no thanks.

So, one could say that WPLG was ABC’d.

I live 22 miles from Miami. WSVN 7 (Fox) picked up ABC as channel 7.2 and 18.1, now called ABC Miami. I assume that WSVN HAD to add a “.1” so as not to discourage political ads, Morgan & Morgan Law, car dealers, etc.

WPLG now is running as an indie, similar to WJXT Jacksonville. I believe they are co-owned—at least their homepage layouts are the same. WJXT has been indie for 20 years; they must be doing fine.

And I do recall post 1 saying “No politics”….. Such are message boards. Sigh.

cd

Post 1 and the rules say no politics. So much for the rules!

Let it be known….

Free Speech is alive and well!! That applies ANYWHERE in the world, even North Korea.

You can say anything you wish, even in NK. True, it will be the last thing you ever say….but still….!

Never forget!

cd

the rules say no politics. So much for the rules!Well we arent letting this thread blow sky high...... We are proving to oursevles we can have serious discussions w/o it blowing up :)

Im glad Jimmy got back...... Opus was right!!

Im glad Jimmy got back...... Opus was right!!

Yup, once the president, who is too busy to follow such things as
mundane as late night talk shows, and the FCC chairman found out the government was impinging on free speech they quickly put an end to it and got him back. We did it the easy way :thumbsup:

And also, we must remember, no other administration/FCC has EVER impinged on free speech.

Broadcasting has always been a medium where anyone can say anything they want.

They tried to turn the dead guy (who I believe firmly believed in free speech, correct me if I'm wrong) into a martyr. Instead they turned the living guy into one.



Jimmy Kimmel’s Return Breaks His YouTube Record: Most-Watched Monologue Ever (https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/jimmy-kimmel-return-monologue-youtube-1236378551/)

>>>So far, the show’s official YouTube account has clocked the monologue video at 14 million views in just 15 hours. Kimmel has many short clips from his show of sketches and guest interview segments that have racked up tens of millions of clicks over the years, but Tuesday night set a record in terms of Jimmy Kimmel Live! monologue videos. The video is still going strong and averaging about 1 million views an hour.

On ABC, Kimmel typically draws about 1.6 million viewers, but according to The New York Times, the network is expecting to generate far more than that in the official ratings— even with the Nexstar and Sinclair boycotts, which account for roughly 20 percent of the network’s stations.

Kimmel’s monologue is largely being hailed as meeting the moment.<<<

A few more numbers

"Jimmy Kimmel Live" Returned on Tuesday to 6.26 Million Total Viewers on Broadcast, According to Initial Live+Same Day Measurement (http://www.thefutoncritic.com/ratings/2025/09/24/jimmy-kimmel-live-returned-on-tuesday-to-626-million-total-viewers-on-broadcast-according-to-initial-liveplussame-day-measurement-379515/20250924abc01/)

Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension was more about Bob Iger’s legacy than politics: says ABC insiders (https://pagesix.com/2025/09/23/entertainment/abc-insiders-claim-jimmy-kimmels-suspension-was-more-about-bob-igers-legacy-than-politics/)

Bob Iger’s legacy matters more than politics, it seems.

Some ABC insiders believe Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension (https://pagesix.com/2025/09/17/entertainment/jimmy-kimmels-late-night-show-pulled-off-the-air-over-his-controversial-charlie-kirk-remarks/) had more to do with Iger “trying to steady the ship,” and further cement a Walt Disney-like legacy before he eventually steps down as CEO of the Mickey Mouse company.

“[Iger] may come across as this slick Hollywood Mr. Nice Guy, but he’s no bulls–t. He’s all about business,” one insider told Page Six.

The source added of Iger and Kimmel: “He’s personal friends with Jimmy, which complicated the issue,” of him getting pulled off air.

Kimmel was yanked off-air last week (https://nypost.com/2025/09/22/us-news/charlie-kirks-turning-point-usa-urges-abc-affiliates-not-to-carry-jimmy-kimmy-live/) for suggesting MAGA supporters and politicos were using the Charlie Kirk’s assassination for political gain.

“We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang trying to characterize this kid who killed Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them,” Kimmel said on his show referring to Tyler Robinson last week.

The comment sparked outrage from one of the biggest TV station conglomerates, Nexstar Media, who threatened to pull Kimmel from its ABC-affiliated markets. FCC chairman Brendan Carr thanked Nextar “for doing the right thing” and threatened to take action against ABC, saying, “local broadcasters have an obligation to serve the public’s interest.”

He added, “While this may be an unprecedented decision, it is important for broadcasters to push back on Disney programming that they determine falls short of community.” (Nexstar is in a bid to purchase, Telstar, another TV station owner, for $6.2 billion, which would need Carr’s approval to seal the deal).

“[Iger] is in no danger of not being rich, but if he loses the FCC and ABC suffers financially, then he suffers,” another source speculated. “He wants to be a visionary like Walt Disney,” they added, suggesting a fallout with the FCC would have a fatal blow to his Disney legacy.

Another insider told us Iger’s decision, “was guided by principle and the desire to do the right thing for the company.”

Meanwhile, our first source told us it’s not uncommon for ABC to yank people off the air, pointing to Bill Mahr, whose “Politically Incorrect” show got axed in 2002, and correspondent Brian Ross, who was booted in 2018.

In Kimmel’s case, however, ABC is bringing him back (https://pagesix.com/2025/09/23/celebrity-news/jimmy-kimmel-arrives-to-abc-studios-ahead-of-talk-show-return/), which most [at the network] concur is “the perfect compromise,” our first source said

Kimmel will return to his show on Tuesday night. He subsequently returned to social media for the first time since the debacle earlier in the day. He shared a photo with Norman Lear and wrote: “Missing this guy today.”

A rep for Kimmel and Iger did not get back to us.


Jimmy Kimmel rose to the occasion with his emotional and defiant late-night return from suspension (https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/jimmy-kimmel-late-night-return-review-suspension-1236527655/)

Trump threatens ABC (https://nypost.com/2025/09/24/us-news/trump-threatens-to-sue-abc-over-jimmy-kimmels-sudden-return-to-air-a-true-bunch-of-losers/)

Jimmy Kimmel Live! returns to its most-watched episode ever with a preliminary 6.26 million viewers (https://www.vulture.com/article/jimmy-kimmel-live-ratings-late-night-tv-return.html)

Charlie Kirk's Producer Scorches Jimmy Kimmel For Not Apologizing In His Comeback Monologue (https://www.huffpost.com/entry/charlie-kirks-producer-scorches-jimmy-kimmel-for-not-apologizing-in-his-comeback-monologue_n_68d44626e4b01e99f72d3e38?origin=home-latest-news-unit)

And also, we must remember, no other administration/FCC has EVER impinged on free speech.

Broadcasting has always been a medium where anyone can say anything they want.I guess your right Stevie.... The FCC tries to say ppl cant say swears on the air but they still do!

One night I was talking to a friend of mine who was a taxi dispatcher many years ago and he said 'the 7 words you cant say on radio' on the air... I keyed up and laughed afterwards and Joe said "Ill say them again" and he did... Nothing happend but if the FCC happend to be listening I wonder if they would have fired him???

I guess its not that easy to enforce.......

What exactly did Jimmy say? I saw it on the news and clips of him saying what he said. Watching a couple of times on different news casts , but I really didn't get what he said as being really that bad? Maybe I need to see it in writing.

What exactly did Jimmy say? I saw it on the news and clips of him saying what he said. Watching a couple of times on different news casts , but I really didn't get what he said as being really that bad? Maybe I need to see it in writing.
This is what Jimmy said exactly on that night's show that supposedly got him suspended:
"We hit some new lows over the weekend 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."

Believe me, even in text, it didn't really make sense to cause the suspension in the first place.

What exactly did Jimmy say? I saw it on the news and clips of him saying what he said. Watching a couple of times on different news casts , but I really didn't get what he said as being really that bad? Maybe I need to see it in writing.

This is what Jimmy said exactly on that night's show that supposedly got him suspended:
"We hit some new lows over the weekend 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."

Believe me, even in text, it didn't really make sense to cause the suspension in the first place.

It was factually incorrect and the right went ballistic. But it was part of a comedy monologue, and these monologes have been part of late night TV for years.

It was supposedly free speech and the left went ballistic, but in broadcasting, there is no free speech (what you can and can't say is regulated). There are broadcast regulations that have been around since 1934, and the FCC is reviled in the profession. How do I know? I was in radio for a few years. You simply can't say anything you want on the airwaves. But had the FCC opened an investigation in this instance, nothing would have come of it, in my opinion.

My statement about the FCC never having been misused by politicians was tongue in cheek, "dues." One could cite all kinds of examples where politicians on both sides have demanded "action" by the FCC in various situations.

I made a comment in a thread that was discussing Nick at Nite recently, where they allegedly removed Friends from their rerun lineup. They actually did remove it for a few days, and brought it back. My remark was that it was possibly a publicity stunt. I know this Kimmel thing was not one (but on the other hand...well, never mind!), but if an ABC exec was to look back on how it unfolded, they could say something like, "I sure wish I had thought this one up. I'd demand a raise!"

I heard the wife had a statement forgiving the shooter of her husband. But somehow the hatred of Jimmy Kimmel is eternal?

They really shouldnt have let it get to them.....

I was talking to someone on the right and she said "He Told Lies"

I dunno.........

I heard the wife had a statement forgiving the shooter of her husband. But somehow the hatred of Jimmy Kimmel is eternal?

I heard the same thing on the news.

Flame away if you wish, but here goes.

The word “hate” (or hatred) is thrown around way too much and too easily. The proper word in the case of Kimmel is “disagreement.”

If anyone thinks that what Nexstar & Sinclair are doing are anything new, they have another think coming.

I am Christian, far from Mormon…..Check out KSL-TV’s weekly schedule and look for Saturday Night Live. You won’t find it; the LDS ownership feels that SNL isn’t compatible with their beliefs. IIRC a Salt Lake City independent station is carrying it. It has been that way for who knows how long.

Miami has no Sinclair stations, but West Palm Beach does, including WPEC, whose display onscreen shows “CBS” instead of the call letters, which is my main complaint about them. It’s THEIR decision on Kimmel along with Nexstar; if they suffer financially, so be it; but NOBODY can say that they’re chasing the dollar on this whole shebang.

Maude had an abortion. Many CBS stations said NO to airing the episode, to which I say good for them, and they exercised their right.

I WILL say that in the case of KSL/Nexstar/Sinclair, WHY they run network programming AT ALL is a head scratcher.

Also in Utah you have LDS-owned PBS stations, which are far more left in philosophy than the mainstream media. Another head scratcher; don’t quote me, but I think that Mormon Ken “Jeopardy!” Jennings donates to PBS.

I’m all for free speech. But we all know one cannot yell “Fire” in a crowded theater….you get the drift.

The REAL hate, is what Tyler R. demonstrated.

cd

This is a historic situation due to the number of stations refusing to air the show.

It's a completely different situation because of the Nexstar and Sinclair mergers. Those deals are unlikely to get approved without the Trump administration getting something in return. It was the same situation with Stephen Colbert. Notice how quickly the merger was approved after it was announced his contract wasn't going to be renewed.

Why didn't he try to get the late night talk shows off the air during his first term? He had no leverage to put any pressure on the networks because there was no merger talk. It's all about money.

He will never be able to get ABC's broadcast license revoked. It would be tied up in litigation for years. He will be long out of office.

I don't know if there are any programs which are must runs. I guess the affiliates aren't required to air everything even in prime time. My local ABC affiliate didn't start airing Jimmy Kimmel until 2007. There's no way ABC would pull all of their prime time programming off their affiliates.

One solitary station never airing Saturday Night Live (and it still airing in the local market) won't impact the ratings like 23% of ABC stations not airing Jimmy Kimmel (although his return was dominant anyway). Maude was several decades ago, half a century now. Nexstar and Sinclair never should have been allowed to own so many local stations, which will get even worse if Nexstar's next takeover is approved.

One solitary station never airing Saturday Night Live (and it still airing in the local market) won't impact the ratings like 23% of ABC stations not airing Jimmy Kimmel (although his return was dominant anyway). Maude was several decades ago, half a century now. Nexstar and Sinclair never should have been allowed to own so many local stations, which will get even worse if Nexstar's next takeover is approved.

My only point is that the situation isn’t unprecedented. That’s all.

When NBC had the Nat King Cole variety show in the late 50s, some Deep South stations wouldn’t carry him, because of his skin color. Now THAT was hate.

(EDIT: the individual stations themselves may have had to make the decision on Cole due to possibly having their tower or studio blown up.)

cd

As to Kimmel not being blacklisted (or whatever the proper word is) during Trump’s first term, it may have been a case of being “just another late night show” at the time.

One gunshot changed the game, sad to say.

cd

This is a historic situation due to the number of stations refusing to air the show.

It's a completely different situation because of the Nexstar and Sinclair mergers. Those deals are unlikely to get approved without the Trump administration getting something in return. It was the same situation with Stephen Colbert. Notice how quickly the merger was approved after it was announced his contract wasn't going to be renewed.

Why didn't he try to get the late night talk shows off the air during his first term? He had no leverage to put any pressure on the networks because there was no merger talk. It's all about money.

He will never be able to get ABC's broadcast license revoked. It would be tied up in litigation for years. He will be long out of office.

I don't know if there are any programs which are must runs. I guess the affiliates aren't required to air everything even in prime time. My local ABC affiliate didn't start airing Jimmy Kimmel until 2007. There's no way ABC would pull all of their prime time programming off their affiliates.

Just a slight factual correction: I have not heard that Sinclair has a merger in the works--Nexstar and Tegna do. If I'm wrong, apologies!

Just a slight factual correction: I have not heard that Sinclair has a merger in the works--Nexstar and Tegna do. If I'm wrong, apologies!

Nexstar and Sinclair both have pending business before the Trump administration’s Federal Communications Commission, which regulates the broadcast television industry and other key media platforms. Nexstar is seeking FCC approval for a proposed $6.2 billion merger with a rival, Tegna. Sinclair is exploring merger options for its broadcast business, according to CNBC.

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/jimmy-kimmel-democratic-lawmakers-letter-nexstar-sinclair-rcna233307

https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/11/sinclair-is-exploring-mergers-for-its-broadcast-business.html

https://x.com/SenWarren/status/1970635300700668193

1970635300700668193

His ratings were/are terrible.

If he had good ratings. never happen.

He said while back. he was thinking about leaving. No-one walks away from that paycheck.

The show still makes ABC money despite the lower ratings. His YouTube channel has 21.4 million subscribers with over 13 billion views.

I don't believe Stephen Colbert is losing CBS $40 million a year. A show just doesn't start losing $40 million a year overnight. The New York Post or whoever leaked that number only said it to quell the outrage. I would believe it if they released a line by line list of the expenses vs. the revenue.

I wouldn't be surprised if Kimmel leaves after his contract expires in May. He has hinted at leaving the last few years. He already takes the summers off to spend with his family. Maybe he could do a podcast like Conan O'Brien.

Maybe ABC would bring in Stephen Colbert or they could split the hosting duties. They would both need to take pay cuts to make it work.

Jimmy Kimmel remains a moneymaker overall for ABC, says Puck's Matt Belloni (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcPXMw1pU2Q)

kcPXMw1pU2Q

OK thanks--I stand corrected on Sinclair.

Nexstar pre-empting Jimmy Kimmel Live! may not be enough to appease Republicans in its $6.2 billion merger with Tegna (https://nypost.com/2025/09/25/media/nexstar-facing-opposition-from-conservatives-over-6-2b-merger-despite-sidelining-jimmy-kimmel/)

The merger is facing “significant opposition from Republicans on Capitol Hill and two right-leaning news networks, One America News Network and, more importantly, Newsmax,” according to the New York Post’s Charles Gasparino. “The latter is of particular concern as Newsmax’s CEO, Chris Ruddy, has close ties to top GOP lawmakers, the Trump White House and President Trump himself, according to insiders. The argument is that Nexstar’s continued suspension of Kimmel — who failed to apologize on Tuesday for his false claims about Charlie Kirk’s alleged assassin — is nothing more than a ruse to convince the White House its programming is watchful for left-wing bias as it seeks approval for the Tegna deal, and Nexstar will control far too much of the local broadcast market if the deal proceeds.”

Jimmy Kimmel says his mom cooked for him “relentlessly” during his suspension (https://people.com/jimmy-kimmel-says-his-mom-made-special-treat-for-his-return-show-back-11816891)

Kimmel discussed his mom’s cooking after last night’s guest, Abbott Elementary’s Lisa Ann Walter, brought him macaroni alla pescorace to eat as a welcome back gift on his show. “My mom relentlessly kept making [food], she’s like, ‘Can I bring over some pasta fazool? Can I make—’ She brought cookies with my face on them to the show last night,” Kimmel said.


How did late-night become so political? (https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/24/arts/television/jimmy-kimmel-late-night-politics-trump.html)

My only point is that the situation isn’t unprecedented. That’s all.

When NBC had the Nat King Cole variety show in the late 50s, some Deep South stations wouldn’t carry him, because of his skin color. Now THAT was hate.

(EDIT: the individual stations themselves may have had to make the decision on Cole due to possibly having their tower or studio blown up.)

cd
None of the pre-emptions you’ve brought up in this thread are the same as what’s happening now. They were made at the station level. The government didn’t threaten TV stations in those cases to remove the shows from their airwaves or else. Whether you like Kimmel or not, authoritarianism is smacking you in the face and you seem to be numb to it.

As I've stated before, there is no exclusivity to this FCC in using authoritarianism. Threats and actual actions have been used before.

None of the pre-emptions you’ve brought up in this thread are the same as what’s happening now. They were made at the station level. The government didn’t threaten TV stations in those cases to remove the shows from their airwaves or else. Whether you like Kimmel or not, authoritarianism is smacking you in the face and you seem to be numb to it.

I just choose not to wig out, that’s all.

Although group ownership is nothing new, we have more and more “conglomerates” owning media (read: Audacy and iHeart on radio, Sinclair/Tegna/Gray/Nexstar on TV), and it makes for less and less mom-&-pop “hometown” media. As one who was born in 1959, I have seen all the changes; practically NONE for the better.

Like I wrote a month ago…..last I checked, Donald Trump won. I COULD tell you that I didn’t vote for Trump nor Harris, but I don’t know if anybody would believe me. Anyway, “to the victor go the spoils.”

cd

First Nexstar Cancelled Your Favorite CW Shows, Then They Cancelled Kimmel — So, What’s This Company’s Deal? (https://collider.com/nexstar-jimmy-kimmel-cw-censorship/)

Network TV has taken a rather drastic turn (https://www.google.com/search?q=First+Nexstar+Cancelled+Your+Favorite+CW+Shows%2C+Then+They+Cancelled+Kimmel+%E2%80%94+So%2C+What%E2%80%99s+This+Company%E2%80%99s+Deal%3F&sca_esv=9ae03e477ff97b33&sxsrf=AE3TifO8KGT6QTSiQJw8fwIn2FMjrUyRxg%3A1758849217983&udm=50&fbs=AIIjpHxU7SXXniUZfeShr2fp4giZPH5QghoXViUOqdFyhkUfHhA90f6RZnLvcDKUWyhDavEB0GGDOT3-g6-c9W8Pjy1gZAXDnqFJqVXLvD0e_AkTILB1bpX2xQHajXok6NJfp0bhrLs6Y1KmscZmWkoPPVR3ly53S0EAkj0i1284GSNZIyxrDS5syIS7rqefforhRhC9dhLahO8j5Gmjd_vLA6XsTICjPQ&aep=1&ntc=1&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwixxuf2n_WPAxWcwOYEHbRVIW8Q2J8OegQIERAE&biw=1920&bih=979&dpr=1&mtid=zOjVaPiIBu-Z0PEP7fqdgQY) due to this company's reign.

Nexstar Can't Preempt Jimmy Kimmel Forever

Fans of Kimmel and free speech (or both, really) won't have to wait too long for Jimmy Kimmel Live! to return regularly. Nexstar (https://www.google.com/search?q=Nexstar+site%3Aradiodiscussions.com&sca_esv=de15ce0eaa57301b&biw=1920&bih=979&sxsrf=AE3TifPiaztaBCYxykxi8BkuIA45fjpElg%3A1758849310507&ei=HunVaKLiHtjA0PEPkrm6wQQ&ved=0ahUKEwii6faioPWPAxVYIDQIHZKcLkgQ4dUDCBA&uact=5&oq=Nexstar+site%3Aradiodiscussions.com&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiIU5leHN0YXIgc2l0ZTpyYWRpb2Rpc2N1c3Npb25zLmNvbUisElAAWABwAHgAkAEAmAFFoAFFqgEBMbgBA8gBAPgBAZgCAKACAJgDAJIHAKAHLbIHALgHAMIHAMgHAA&sclient=gws-wiz-serp) and Sinclair both have affiliate agreements with Disney that expire next year, meaning that if they want to continue getting revenue from ads and programming — specifically sports, which falls under another Disney-owned company in ESPN — they'll probably wind up airing Kimmel before that time runs out.

There's also the fear of losing longtime viewers, which neither can afford in an era where broadcast TV is slowly shrinking year after year. "People would be ticked off because they would want to see Kimmel, or in the larger sense, ticked off because that kind of specific blocking of content speaks to First Amendment rights,” University of Delaware's Professor Danilo Yanich, of public policy and administration, told Variety (https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/sinclair-nexstar-jimmy-kimmel-boycott-disney-abc-1236528157/).

Nexstar's influence on network television is formidable, as it's able to keep Jimmy Kimmel off the air and reshape The CW to fit its desired audience. But if a behemoth like Disney was hit hard enough to bring Kimmel's show back on the air, then Nexstar's power might not be as strong as it thinks.

This is a historic situation due to the number of stations refusing to air the show. Isnt it totally insane what they let bother them buddy??

The smallest thing makes ppl mad these days!!

Sinclair has caved and ended their boycott. A repeat of Tuesday's show airs tonight.

Sinclair-owned ABC stations will bring ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ back to air Friday (https://www.cnbc.com/2025/09/26/sinclair-abc-jimmy-kimmel.html)

Sinclair has caved and ended their boycott. A repeat of Tuesday's show airs tonight.

Sinclair-owned ABC stations will bring ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ back to air Friday (https://www.cnbc.com/2025/09/26/sinclair-abc-jimmy-kimmel.html)

You beat me by 5 minutes. I hate you.

You beat me by 5 minutes. I hate you.

It was breaking news on CNN. Nexstar-owned ABC stations will probably be airing him again next week for the Brooklyn shows.

It was breaking news on CNN. Nexstar-owned ABC stations will probably be airing him again next week for the Brooklyn shows.

It’s good free speech could be coming back. I know it’s an amendment, but I forget where it ranks. I think it’s near the bottom.

Wait. What’d you say? It’s which number!?!?!?

It’s good free speech could be coming back. I know it’s an amendment, but I forget where it ranks. I think it’s near the bottom.

Wait. What’d you say? It’s which number!?!?!?

The free speech amendment is the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1791 as part of the Bill of Rights.

Nexstar has folded like a house of cards. He's now fully back on the air on all ABC stations for tonight's repeat.

Jimmy Kimmel Is Back On Nexstar ABC Stations, Ending Affiliate Boycott (https://deadline.com/2025/09/jimmy-kimmel-returning-nexstar-stations-1236557460/)

The free speech amendment is the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1791 as part of the Bill of Rights.

Nexstar has folded like a house of cards. He's now fully back on the air on all ABC stations for tonight's repeat.

Jimmy Kimmel Is Back On Nexstar ABC Stations, Ending Affiliate Boycott (https://deadline.com/2025/09/jimmy-kimmel-returning-nexstar-stations-1236557460/)

I tweaked the topic title yet again.

I tweaked the topic title yet again.

Good job keeping the thread title updated. Hopefully it won't be necessary again in the future.

I think this little stunt might help make his ratings yuge and to go up bigly for the Brooklyn shows next week.

Good job keeping the threa title updated. Hopefully it won't be necessary again in the future.

I think this little stunt might help make his ratings yuge and to go up bigly for the Brooklyn shows next week.

I’ll watch the Brooklyn shows because I always watched those, but he never was my first late night choice. I used to just watch when he was interviewing a guest I liked or had on a band I wanted to see. I’m sure I’ll end up going back to that.

But I do respect his long time David Letterman love, going back to his 18th birthday Late Night party

https://www.jimmykimmel.net/jkletman2/images/l8nite.jpg

And Dave sends the love right back

Jimmy Kimmel Single-Handedly Saves The Republic

3HmbpIW-k1o?si=JQrFQflu6aRlc-s1
https://youtu.be/3HmbpIW-k1o?si=JQrFQflu6aRlc-s1

Jimmy Kimmel Live! and South Park are making headlines as vestiges of the old monoculture (https://www.vulture.com/article/south-park-jimmy-kimmel-monoculture-censorship.html)

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In a stunning victory for freedom of speech, Jimmy Kimmel is back on ABC! Except, it appears it was Disney and Bob Iger alone that were behind his cancellation, not Brendan Carr of the FCC, Donald Trump or anyone else.

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Much more so than with Charlie Kirk, the Hollywood establishment are in uproar over Jimmy Kimmel, and many, such as Tatiana Maslany of Marvel’s She-Hulk fame, are taking that out on Disney and Bob Iger.

BgpjWyVdBlg

Hollywood and the larger entertainment complex are in uproar over Jimmy Kimmel, in a way they weren’t over Charlie Kirk. Many claim Disney, Bob Iger and ABC were forced to cancel after president Donald Trump intervened by way of FCC chairman Brendan Carr. But could the real story be simpler than that? Let’s find out!

df2OzkICBFI

Disney and ABC just pulled the plug, finishing what Nexstar just started. Tom is filling in for Andre to cover these breaking news.

You beat me by 5 minutes. I hate you.Ah man!!

Todd beats us all........

Can networks ever ditch affiliates? (https://www.msn.com/en-us/tv/news/the-trouble-with-affiliates/ar-AA1NnCAV)

The Jimmy Kimmel saga demonstrates that the network-affiliate relationship is due for an overhaul.

In the end, Disney did the right thing. Monday’s decision to give Jimmy Kimmel his talk show back, less than a week after putting it on ice in the wake of government threats, was a rare bright spot in a year that has seen one major corporation or institution after another surrender to demands from the Trump White House and its acolytes. But while Kimmel is once again telling jokes on ABC, not everyone in America has been able to see his show when it airs on TV because of a boycott from two of the network’s major affiliate groups, Nexstar and Sinclair. While Sinclair will return Kimmel’s show to its stations tonight, Sinclair announced, and there’s a good chance Nexstar will at some point, maybe even relatively soon, the whole dispute has underscored something that’s been evident for years now: The relationship between the broadcast networks and their affiliates is due for a major restructuring.

Much has changed in the TV world this century, but at its core, the way the Big Four (ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox) get their programming to local American communities has remained pretty static for decades. Rather than directly deliver shows and events to viewers via a national feed, networks beam their programming to hundreds of TV stations throughout the country, which in turn send it out to local communities by transmitting it over public airwaves or by licensing it to cable companies to pipe it into your house. Even if you watch one of the networks digitally via something like YouTube TV, you’re not getting your shows directly from the network: You’re watching a version of your local affiliate station’s feed.

So why do the Big Four continue to use such an elaborate system of weights and pulleys to distribute their shows in an age when most of what people watch on TV now comes via streaming? In a word: money. For decades now, affiliates have been paying networks literally billions of dollars every year for the right to broadcast network fare. It’s called “reverse compensation,” and it became a thing in the 1990s when local stations got the right to charge local cable companies (and satellite services like DirecTV) for the privilege of piping their (free, over-the-air) broadcast signals into your home. Networks then demanded local stations share some of these newfound cable riches with them.

Even with cord-cutting, there are still enough homes that get cable to make this an incredibly lucrative source of income: S&P Global Market Intelligence last year estimated cable companies paid roughly $15 billion to stations with about half of that income ending up with the networks via reverse comp. Bottom line: Each of the Big Four is pocketing several billion dollars in revenue from affiliate fees, money that would not be immediately or easily replaced were, say, Disney to decide one day to simply turn ABC into a tile on Disney+ and make a full national feed of the network available to all subscribers. The network-TV business model — hanging on by a thread — depends on those revenues more than ever, which is why networks go out of their way to avoid picking fights with those big station groups and, as much as possible, keep them happy.

YG_jLtjTCYg

It started with a beer and a lie.

On January 26, 2003, Jimmy Kimmel premiered on ABC — and from the very first night, nothing about it felt like late-night as we knew it. No polished teleprompter act. No fake Fallon laugh. Just chaos, sarcasm, and the energy of a guy who probably slept on the couch backstage.

And yet… it worked.

Jimmy Kimmel became the anti-late-night host. Not the smartest. Not the nicest. But the one who made late-night feel alive, unpredictable, and a little dangerous.

For a while, he cracked the code: don’t take it too seriously, make fun of celebrities, and let Guillermo do literally anything. It wasn’t about being profound, it was about being unforgettable.

But somewhere along the way, the chaos calcified. The jokes became monologues. The satire turned into sermons. And after two decades, the show that once felt reckless and untouchable suddenly felt… tired. For a brief moment, it even looked like ABC might walk away.

Disney reportedly saw over 1.7 million paid streaming cancellations over Jimmy Kimmel suspension (https://awfulannouncing.com/disney/disney-jimmy-kimmel-suspension-subscriber-cancellations-millions.html)

"The total includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN."

Jimmy Fallon says “I just keep my head down” amid Trump attacks: “Our show’s never really been that political” (https://www.thedailybeast.com/jimmy-fallon-keeping-his-head-down-after-kimmel-suspension/)

While promoting his On Brand reality show on CNBC this morning (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmsP_qBBz_Q), Fallon was asked about caution about President Trump’s FCC in the aftermath of Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension. “Our monologues are the same we’ve been doing since Johnny Carson was doing The Tonight Show, so really I just keep my head down and make sure the jokes are funny,” The Tonight Show host said, per The Daily Beast. “We’re just trying to make the best show we possibly can and entertain everybody.”

Duster, ABC did not want to do this. They were threatened with their broadcast license being removed by the FCC chairman who is abusing his power. Also, Nexstar which owns a lot of ABC affiliates raised a big fuss about Jimmy Kimmel.

FCC meeting crashed by protesters calling on FCC chair Brendan Carr’s resignation (https://www.thedailybeast.com/party-crashers-storm-fcc-meeting-to-demand-trump-lackey-brendan-carr-be-fired/)

Videos circulating on social media (https://twitter.com/hannahcmpbell/status/1973034723330150757) show a group of about a dozen demonstrators storming into the open meeting in Washington, D.C., this morning chanting: “Fire Carr the censorship czar!”

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President Trump just absolutely loves TV: That’s why he is obsessed with trying to control the medium and take down its late-night hosts. (https://newrepublic.com/article/200040/late-night-became-free-speech-battleground)

Based on recent reports (https://www.google.com/search?q=President+Trump+just+absolutely+loves+TV%3A+That%E2%80%99s+why+he+is+obsessed+with+trying+to+control+the+medium+and+take+down+its+late-night+hosts.&sca_esv=764700c983d0c1df&sxsrf=AE3TifMyuCTPQrTaVmmLW6CjZvepiMqy4Q%3A1759279709569&ei=XXrcaJHHIrKc0PEPiYK18QQ&ved=0ahUKEwjR6ZjR44GQAxUyDjQIHQlBLU4Q4dUDCBA&uact=5&oq=President+Trump+just+absolutely+loves+TV%3A+That%E2%80%99s+why+he+is+obsessed+with+trying+to+control+the+medium+and+take+down+its+late-night+hosts.&gs_lp=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&sclient=gws-wiz-serp), former President Trump continues to have a contentious relationship (https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/sep/20/trump-jimmy-kimmel-late-night-tv-shows) with late-night hosts (https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/tv/articles/commentary-trump-targeting-broadcast-tv-222748560.html) and the media more broadly. This follows a long-running pattern that critics say is motivated by a desire to control the media landscape and punish those who portray him negatively.

George Clooney praises Disney CEO Bob Iger’s handling of the Jimmy Kimmel controversy. (https://www.avclub.com/george-clooney-free-speech-jimmy-kimmel-bob-iger)

“I think Bob [Iger] displayed courage. He came out and said, okay, we're not going to do this. We took a pause, but Jimmy's back on the air, and ...

What exactly did Jimmy say? I saw it on the news and clips of him saying what he said. Watching a couple of times on different news casts , but I really didn't get what he said as being really that bad? Maybe I need to see it in writing.

Jimmy Kimmel Has Nothing to Apologize For (https://www.nathanrabin.com/happy-place/2025/9/24/jimmy-kimmel-has-nothing-to-apologize-for)

MAGA/The Trump Administration angrily demanded that Jimmy Kimmel be yanked off the air for the horrible thing he said about Charlie Kirk. Funnily enough, he didn’t say ANYTHING about Kirk, just his assassin and supporters.

Yup Donny was wrong on that and just trying to make ppl happy...

Ya cant do that these days w/o hurting people :(

At some point we’re going to find out the whole thing was masterminded by Matt Damon, aren’t we.

Ok, this was good.

(The good part starts about 8 minutes in)

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https://youtu.be/43w2_XfNBvY?si=I_j_XDT7y1g9Pj41

Jimmy Kimmel tops Stephen Colbert (https://latenighter.com/news/ratings/ratings-jimmy-kimmel-bests-stephen-colbert-in-late-night-crossover/)

Jimmy Kimmel’s ratings return to normal (https://latenighter.com/news/ratings/the-real-story-behind-jimmy-kimmels-ratings-drop/)

Jimmy Kimmel's much-hyped return from suspension has imploded (https://www.google.com/search?q=Jimmy+Kimmel%E2%80%99s+ratings+return+to+normal&oq=Jimmy+Kimmel%E2%80%99s+ratings+return+to+normal&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIHCAEQIRigATIHCAIQIRigATIHCAMQIRigATIHCAQQIRigATIHCAUQIRirAjIHCAYQIRirAjIHCAcQIRiPAtIBCDczMmowajE1qAIJsAIB8QVi4bob7zIHKvEFYuG6G-8yByo&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8), with his late-night show losing 71% of viewers (https://www.google.com/search?q=Jimmy+Kimmel%E2%80%99s+ratings+return+to+normal&oq=Jimmy+Kimmel%E2%80%99s+ratings+return+to+normal&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIHCAEQIRigATIHCAIQIRigATIHCAMQIRigATIHCAQQIRigATIHCAUQIRirAjIHCAYQIRirAjIHCAcQIRiPAtIBCDczMmowajE1qAIJsAIB8QVi4bob7zIHKvEFYuG6G-8yByo&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8) in just over a week.

Disney closes out its 2025 fiscal year on a streaming high note, despite cancelations after Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension (https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/disney-plus-hulu-subscriber-gains-kimmel-controversy-1236580606/)

Disney+ subscribers increased by 3.8 million in the quarter to hit 131.6 million. Hulu added 8.6 million subscribers.

Bob Iger: Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension last fall was over “bad taste,” not politics (https://latenighter.com/news/bob-iger-kimmel-suspension-bad-taste-politics/)

The former Disney CEO tells The Financial Times (https://www.ft.com/content/460389f9-3d72-4fed-9dd4-bbc3209c88b0) that Jimmy Kimmel Live!’s benching last September was not politically motivated, as had been widely believed. “That was not the case,” Iger said, per LateNighter. “We thought it was in bad taste.” Iger added that Kimmel was asked to apologize — which Kimmel never did when he returned to air the following week. “We just wanted him to acknowledge that it was an ill-timed and probably inappropriate comment,” Iger said. ALSO: Megyn Kelly blasts Jimmy Kimmel’s for having fill-ins who are a “litany of left-wing comedians, most of whom you don’t know very well because he’s worried about his job security.” (https://www.tvinsider.com/1271401/megyn-kelly-blasts-jimmy-kimmel-over-his-vacation-replacements/)