Disney Reinstates Jimmy Kimmel Live Amid Local Broadcasters' Partial Blackout

Jimmy Kimmel's late-night show "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" returned to ABC after a one-week suspension triggered by his comments on the reaction to Charlie Kirk's killing. The suspension, initially imposed by Disney under pressure from the Trump administration and conservative broadcasters Sinclair and Nexstar, sparked widespread backlash from artists and free speech advocates. Despite Disney reinstating the show, Sinclair and Nexstar—owners of nearly a third of ABC affiliates—are continuing to pre-empt the broadcast, replacing it with local news, which could hurt ABC's audience and advertising revenue. This standoff highlights the increasing political pressure on television networks during President Trump's 2025 administration and the challenges faced by traditional TV amid evolving viewer habits and streaming competition. Viewers in affected markets, such as Washington, DC, are seeking alternative ways to watch the show, including using antennas or VPNs, though such methods face legal and logistical hurdles. The controversy underscores the growing tension between political influence, free speech, and media ownership in shaping broadcast content.