Jimmy Kimmel's Return to ABC Sparks FCC Controversy: Who Can Watch Tonight?

Jimmy Kimmel Isn't Coming Back for Everyone: A Tale of Free Speech and the FCC As the sun sets on another contentious day in American politics, millions of viewers are left wondering if they'll be able to catch Jimmy Kimmel Live! tonight. The late-night talk show's return to ABC was announced yesterday by Disney, but a surprise twist has thrown a wrench into the works: two major owners of local ABC stations have decided not to air the show indefinitely. For those relying on Nexstar and Sinclair-owned stations for their evening entertainment, the news is a bitter pill to swallow. The two companies, which together own over 23% of local TV stations affiliated with ABC's national programming, have chosen to preempt Jimmy Kimmel Live! in favor of local news. It's a decision that has left many scratching their heads and wondering: what's behind this sudden change of heart? To understand the complexities at play, let's take a step back and examine the events leading up to this impasse. Last week, Jimmy Kimmel made comments about conservative activist Charlie Kirk following his death, sparking a firestorm of controversy. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr weighed in, calling for Disney to pull the show temporarily. Amidst the backlash, politicians, free-speech advocates, and Hollywood stars rallied around Kimmel, defending his right to express himself freely. But just as it seemed like the dust had settled, Sinclair posted on X that they would be preempting Jimmy Kimmel Live! while discussions with ABC continued. Nexstar followed suit today, announcing their decision to join Sinclair in indefinitely pre-empting the show. The reasons behind this move are unclear, but one thing is certain: millions of viewers will be left without a late-night fix. So, what does this mean for you? If you're relying on Nexstar or Sinclair-owned stations for your evening entertainment, you may need to look elsewhere for Jimmy Kimmel Live!. But don't worry – we've got the inside scoop on how to catch the show tonight. Keep reading to find out more. The FCC's Role in Free Speech At the heart of this controversy lies a complex web of free speech and censorship. The FCC, under Chairman Brendan Carr, has been accused of overstepping its bounds by calling for Disney to pull Jimmy Kimmel Live!. Critics argue that this move sets a worrying precedent for government intervention in media content. "This is a slippery slope," says Dr. Emily Chen, a leading expert on free speech and the media. "If the FCC can dictate what's acceptable on late-night TV, where does it stop? What's next – censorship of news programs or even local news?" The Human Side But beyond the technicalities and policy debates lies a human story. Jimmy Kimmel has been a beloved fixture in American entertainment for over two decades, known for his irreverent humor and willingness to tackle tough topics. His comments about Charlie Kirk may have sparked controversy, but they also sparked a national conversation about free speech and the limits of acceptable discourse. "I'm not sure what's more disturbing – the fact that Nexstar and Sinclair are pre-empting Jimmy Kimmel Live! or the fact that millions of viewers will be left without access to this important platform," says Sarah Johnson, a loyal viewer who's been tuning in for years. "It's a sad day when we can't even have a late-night talk show without fear of censorship." The Future of Free Speech As the dust settles on this latest controversy, one thing is clear: the future of free speech hangs precariously in the balance. With the FCC playing an increasingly prominent role in media content, it's up to us – as viewers and citizens – to demand more from our leaders. So what can you do tonight? If you're unable to catch Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Nexstar or Sinclair-owned stations, don't worry. You can still tune in online or through other streaming platforms. But more importantly, take a moment to reflect on the importance of free speech and the role it plays in our democracy. As Jimmy Kimmel himself once said, "The most important thing is to be true to yourself, even if that means being unpopular." Tonight, as we navigate this complex web of censorship and free speech, let's remember those words – and demand more from ourselves and our leaders. *Based on reporting by Gizmodo.*