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What happened
Jimmy Kimmel Live! has been reinstated on ABC affiliates by Sinclair Broadcast Group and Nexstar Media Group after a week-long suspension. The ban was initiated due to controversial comments made by Kimmel regarding the death of conservative figure Charlie Kirk. Following viewer feedback, Sinclair decided to bring the show back, allowing audiences in major cities like Washington, DC, and Seattle to watch again. Kimmel had previously expressed regret for his comments but also criticized the censorship he faced, particularly from political figures like FCC chair Brendan Carr. His return episode achieved record ratings, drawing 6.26 million viewers despite the initial blackout. Ongoing discussions between Sinclair, Nexstar, and ABC are focused on accountability measures.
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Key insights
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1
Viewer Feedback Influences Decision
Sinclair reinstated Kimmel after receiving thoughtful feedback from viewers and community leaders.
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2
Record Ratings on Return
Kimmel's return episode attracted 6.26 million viewers, showcasing strong audience interest.
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3
Censorship Debate
The incident sparked nationwide discussions about free speech and censorship in media.
Takeaways
The reinstatement of Kimmel's show highlights ongoing tensions between media, politics, and public opinion.