Nexstar Media Group bans ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ following comments on Kirk assassination

IRVING, Texas (ABC4) — Nexstar Media Group, ABC4’s parent company, has announced that they will preempt “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” for the foreseeable future beginning Wednesday, Sept. 17 following his comments on Charlie Kirk’s assassination.

“Nexstar strongly objects to recent comments made by Kimmel concerning the killing of Charlie Kirk and will replace the show with other programming in its ABC-affiliated markets.” the company in a statement. This will impact all owned and partner television stations affiliated with the ABC Television Network, including ABC4.

“Kimmel’s comments about the death of Mr. Kirk are offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse, and we do not believe they reflect the spectrum of opinions, views, or values of the local communities in which we are located,” said Andrew Alford, President of Nexstar’s broadcasting division.  “Continuing to give Mr. Kimmel a broadcast platform in the communities we serve is simply not in the public interest at the current time, and we have made the difficult decision to preempt his show in an effort to let cooler heads prevail as we move toward the resumption of respectful, constructive dialogue.”

Shortly after Nexstar’s decision, an ABC spokesperson also confirmed that the show will be preempted indefinitely.

Charlie Kirk, a conservative influencer and the founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed on Sept. 10 while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.

Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old Utah man accused of murdering Kirk, has been charged with aggravated murder (a Capital felony) with the victim targeting enhancement and violent offense committed in the presence of a child aggravating factor. Conviction of this charge can carry the death penalty. He is currently being held in a special housing unit at Utah County Jail.