https://www.politico.com/news/2025/09/26/jimmy-kimmel-sinclair-blackout-00582739

Sinclair Broadcasting Group will resume airing “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on Friday, it announced in a statement, returning the late-night show to its local ABC affiliates after the broadcaster preempted the program after it returned for much of the rest of the country.

Kimmel’s show was yanked off the air by ABC last week after the comedian faced criticism for his comments about Charlie Kirk’s killings, including pressure from FCC Chair Brendan Carr. He returned to air earlier this week, but Sinclair and another affiliate owner, Nexstar, continued to preempt his program.

In the statement, Sinclair said its decision to preempt Kimmel’s show was “independent of any government interaction or influence.”

“Free speech provides broadcasters with the right to exercise judgment as to the content on their local stations,” the company wrote. “While we understand that not everyone will agree with our decisions about programming, it is simply inconsistent to champion free speech while demanding that broadcasters air specific content.”

Sinclair’s decision last week effectively pulled Kimmel’s show from its nearly 40 ABC affiliates, including one that serves Washington. Nexstar did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Friday on if it too will restore Kimmel’s programming.

“Over the last week, we have received thoughtful feedback from viewers, advertisers, and community leaders representing a wide range of perspectives,” the statement continues. “We have also witnessed troubling acts of violence, including the despicable incident of a shooting at an ABC affiliate station in Sacramento. These events underscore why responsible broadcasting matters and why respectful dialogue between differing voices remains so important.”