Jimmy Kimmel's show returns to ABC stations as Sinclair and Nexstar end boycott

WASHINGTON, DC: Sinclair and Nexstar said Friday that Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show will return to ABC affiliates across the country.

The decision comes after both companies pulled the program following criticism of Kimmel’s comments on the killing of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk.

Sinclair says blackout decision was independent of government

Disney, which owns ABC, had already resumed production of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' earlier this week after briefly suspending Kimmel.

Sinclair, which operates 30 ABC affiliates in 27 markets, said its decision to preempt the program was made without outside pressure.

“Our objective throughout this process has been to ensure that programming remains accurate and engaging for the widest possible audience,” Sinclair said in a statement on Friday.

The broadcaster added, "Free speech provides broadcasters with the right to exercise judgment as to the content on their local stations."

"While we understand that not everyone will agree with our decisions about programming, it is simply inconsistent to champion free speech while demanding that broadcasters air specific content," it said.

Nexstar joins Sinclair in restoring Jimmy Kimmel's show

Nexstar, which owns dozens of ABC affiliates nationwide, announced its move just hours after Sinclair’s statement.

Together, the two companies control more than 70 ABC affiliates across the United States.

Disney did not agree to editorial concessions, according to reports, despite Sinclair floating proposals such as a “network-wide independent ombudsman.”

The broadcaster also had demanded that Kimmel “issue a direct apology to the Kirk family” and make a “meaningful personal donation” to the family and Turning Point USA.

Jimmy Kimmel's remarks draw backlash 

Kimmel had drawn fire for remarks about Republicans following Kirk’s killing during a September 10 event at Utah Valley University.

“The MAGA gang [is] desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it,” Kimmel said on his Sept. 15 show.

When Kimmel returned to air Tuesday night, his first new episode in days drew more than 6 million viewers, despite the blackout that prevented more than a quarter of households from watching. The comedian attempted to clarify his remarks.

“You understand that it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man,” Kimmel said, his voice breaking. “I don’t think there’s anything funny about it.”

Kimmel also defended free speech on the program, saying, “This show is not important. What is important is that we get to live in a country that allows us to have a show like this.”