Sinclair Broadcast Group and Nexstar Media Group announced on Friday that they plan to resume airing “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”
The companies, which own dozens of ABC affiliate stations across the U.S., pulled the program after host Jimmy Kimmel made remarks following the assassination of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk that many viewers found offensive.
"Our objective through this process has been to ensure that programming remains accurate and engaging for the widest audience possible," Sinclair said in a statement.
Nexstar released a similar statement.
"As a local broadcaster, Nexstar remains committed to protecting the First Amendment while producing and airing local and national news that is fact-based and unbiased and, above all, broadcasting content that is in the best interest of the communities we serve," the company said.
ABC announced this week that Kimmel’s show would return following a brief suspension. Tuesday’s episode drew more than 6 million viewers, according to the network. However, neither Sinclair stations nor Nexstar stations aired it.
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A group of Democratic senators sent a list of questions to Sinclair and Nexstar about their decisions to pull the show, which followed a threat from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr.
"We can do this the easy way or the hard way. These companies can find ways to change conduct, to take action, frankly on Kimmel, or there is going to be additional work for the FCC ahead," Carr said on a podcast.
Within hours of that comment, Nexstar and Sinclair announced they would not air Kimmel's show on their ABC stations.
