Soon after forcing Jimmy Kimmel off the airwaves, Sinclair — the broadcasting giant that operates dozens of ABC affiliates — announced it would replace the late-night show Friday with a special dedicated to Charlie Kirk. However, instead of broadcasting the special Friday, Sinclair affiliates aired a rerun of Celebrity Family Feud, Variety reports.
Just 10 minutes before the Kirk special was set to broadcast, Sinclair issued a statement via social media announcing that it would instead premiere on YouTube. “Tonight, Sinclair will continue to air ABC network programming as scheduled in the late-night time period,” the company wrote Friday night.
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“The Charlie Kirk special will instead be available on The National News Desk’s YouTube channel, ensuring viewers can continue to enjoy ABC programming while also providing full access to the special online.”
As of Sunday morning, the YouTube video of the Kirk special has generated just 26,000 views since it was uploaded on Friday night.
Both Sinclair and fellow affiliates giant Nexstar pledged to kick Jimmy Kimmel Live off its U.S. stations following the host’s comments about Kirk’s assassination during a Monday monologue; soon after, ABC said is was suspending the late-night show “indefinitely.”
“Mr. Kimmel’s remarks were inappropriate and deeply insensitive at a critical moment for our country,” said Sinclair Vice Chairman Jason Smith in a statement. “We believe broadcasters have a responsibility to educate and elevate respectful, constructive dialogue in our communities. We appreciate FCC Chairman Carr’s remarks today and this incident highlights the critical need for the FCC to take immediate regulatory action to address control held over local broadcasters by the big national networks.”
The company also stated that it will not lift the suspension on Jimmy Kimmel Live! “until formal discussions are held with ABC regarding the network’s commitment to professionalism and accountability,” and called on Kimmel to apologize to Kirk’s family, as well as make “a meaningful personal donation to the Kirk family and Turning Point USA.”
In the aftermath of Kimmel’s suspension, the late-night community has thrown their support behind the host, while politicians and celebrities alike have warned against the Trump administration’s FCC-backed attacks on free speech.
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‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
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