Sinclair Restores Jimmy Kimmel Live After Blackout

Sinclair Broadcast Group announced it will resume airing Jimmy Kimmel Live! on its ABC affiliates beginning Friday, ending a dayslong blackout that had taken the late‑night show off dozens of local stations after Kimmel’s remarks about Charlie Kirk’s killing and ABC’s brief suspension. Sinclair said it reversed course after feedback from viewers, advertisers and community leaders and cited recent violent incidents — including a shooting at an ABC station in Sacramento — as underscoring the need for responsible broadcasting while honoring network obligations. The company emphasized its initial preemption was made without government interaction or influence and said it proposed accountability measures to ABC/Disney (expanded viewer feedback, community dialogue and a network‑wide independent ombudsman) that have not been adopted. Nexstar, which also pulled the program from many affiliates, has not said whether it will restore the show. Roughly 23% of the U.S. had been affected by preemptions earlier in the week, and Kimmel’s return drew one of his highest-rated episodes, attracting more than 6.2 million viewers. The dispute has highlighted tensions over free speech, broadcaster discretion and apparent pressure from the Federal Communications Commission.