On September 23, WSYX-TV (ABC 6), owned and operated by Sinclair Broadcasting Group, preempted and did not air the previously scheduled “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” show.
The action was in the wake of the assassination of Charlie Kirk, as there were concerns that Kimmel’s language after the incident was not appropriate. This temporarily sparked ABC to pull Kimmel’s show. However, it returned to air on national programming on Sept. 23.
Nexstar Broadcasting and Sinclair Broadcasting, though two of the largest owners of ABC stations across the country, decided to preempt the show; they cited Kimmel’s comments regarding Kirk. This took Kimmel off air in TV stations in 70 markets, according to Variety.
Sinclair instead aired news programming instead of the Kimmel show. Columbus area viewers, who were not able to watch the show in Columbus, were able to watch the taped monologue, which was posted on YouTube.
Despite Kimmel not airing in numerous markets, a record 6.3 million viewers tuned into the show, according to the New York Post. This is an increase from the season average of 1.4 million viewers.
“Mr. Kimmel’s remarks were inappropriate and deeply insensitive at a critical moment for our country,” Sinclair Vice Chairman Jason Smith said.
This response sparked protests in Ohio, as Kimmel supporters have attacked ABC and Sinclair for their restriction of free speech.
”This was an attack on our ability to actually think and work through things, and an opportunity, not just for Jimmy Kimmel to have a voice, but for all of us to have a voice now,” Catherine Turcell said, according to the Ohio Capital Journal.
On Sept. 26, Nexstar and Sinclair caved into pressure and announced that they would end the preemption of the show.
“Over the last week, we have received thoughtful feedback from viewers, advertisers, and community leaders representing a wide range of perspectives,” Sinclair said in a statement.
This move brought Jimmy Kimmel Live! back to 30 ABC stations. This includes Columbus’ local affiliate, WSYX.