ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! has been pulled from dozens of markets after Nexstar Media Group, which owns many ABC affiliates, preempted the show indefinitely. The move follows Kimmel’s monologue criticizing conservative reactions to the death of activist Charlie Kirk, including mockery of Donald Trump. Though the show remains on ABC’s schedule, many viewers now can’t see it on local stations.

This isn’t a government censorship issue—the FCC doesn’t ban political satire—but a business decision by a powerful station group, reportedly influenced by backlash and public pressure, including from FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr. While affiliates have the right to preempt programming, doing so over editorial content is rare and controversial.

The decision fragments ABC’s late-night reach and complicates advertising. It also raises questions about how much influence local broadcasters should have over national content. Culturally, it tests the boundaries of political commentary on network TV.

Kimmel may still reach audiences via YouTube and social platforms, but losing key broadcast markets undercuts the show’s impact. This case spotlights the growing tension between network programming, local station power, and America’s deepening political divides—and could set a precedent for future editorial pushback in broadcast media.