September 27, 2025 05:53 PM IST
First published on: Sep 27, 2025 at 12:21 AM IST
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This image released by Disney shows Jimmy Kimmel hosting his late night show "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" in Los Angeles on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025. (AP)
Sinclair Broadcast Group is bringing back Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show to its ABC-affiliated stations on Friday, ending a multi-day blackout in dozens of US cities.
In a statement, Sinclair told AP: “Our objective throughout this process has been to ensure that programming remains accurate and engaging for the widest possible audience. We take seriously our responsibility as local broadcasters to provide programming that serves the interests of our communities, while also honouring our obligations to air national network programming.”
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Disney-owned ABC had suspended Kimmel on September 17, following warnings from the Trump-appointed head of the Federal Communications Commission about potential consequences. Other affiliate groups, including Nexstar, had also said they would not air “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and criticised the host.
Even after ABC reinstated Kimmel on national broadcasts on Tuesday, Sinclair and Nexstar continued the blackout, leaving viewers in cities such as Washington, DC, and Seattle without the programme on local television.
The blackouts prompted national debate over free speech, with critics accusing media companies of censoring content and raising questions about political influence on broadcasting.
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This image released by Disney shows Jimmy Kimmel hosting his late night show "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" in Los Angeles on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025. (AP) 
