As anybody who’s taking note of the information nowadays is aware of, ABC late-night host Jimmy Kimmel got here below hearth after his September 17, 2025, monologue concerning the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
It wasn’t even per week in the past, however a lot has occurred since then that it feels longer.
Kimmel accused Trump supporters of “trying to score political points” within the wake of the killing and in contrast former President Donald Trump’s response to “how a 4-year-old mourns a goldfish.”
It did not take lengthy for Kimmel to obtain pointed criticism from the general public, authorities representatives, and his employer.
Jimmy Kimmel controversy timeline:
• September 17: FCC chair weighs in. On September 17, Federal Communications Fee Chair Brendan Carr publicly celebrated Kimmel’s suspension on his X account. Carr later warned that ABC’s broadcast licenses may face evaluation if Disney did not act. The assertion raised speedy issues about whether or not authorities stress was influencing broadcast programming.
• September 18: Associates drop the present. Two of the nation’s largest affiliate teams — Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group — introduced they’d cease airing “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”.
Collectively, Nexstar and Sinclair symbolize about 25% of ABC’s U.S. attain. ABC later confirmed the present can be suspended indefinitely, per AP reporting, with reruns and native programming filling the late-night slot.
• September 19-21: free speech debate grows. The suspension set off a nationwide debate. Authorized consultants cited by the New York Occasions famous that the First Modification limits authorities censorship, not selections made by non-public corporations.
Disney and associates had been legally entitled to drag Kimmel’s present. On the similar time, Carr’s warnings about licenses raised questions on whether or not authorities threats tied to political speech may themselves cross constitutional boundaries. Analysts additionally warned of a possible chilling impact on comedians and broadcasters.
• September 22: Disney proclaims reinstatement. On September 22, Disney stated “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” would return to its late-night schedule following what executives referred to as “thoughtful conversations” with the host’s group.
• September 23: Associates refuse to hold the present. Whereas the present resumed on September 23, Nexstar and Sinclair confirmed they’d proceed to pre-empt it, leaving vital elements of the nation with out entry to ABC’s late-night programming.
Jimmy Kimmel is a well-liked late-night speak present host.
Picture supply: Kevin Winter/Getty Pictures
Needham says ABC ought to exit broadcast tv
Additionally on September 23, funding agency Needham & Co. launched a report urging Walt Disney (DIS) to close down ABC fully reasonably than try a sale.
The analysis observe was first reported by Searching for Alpha.
Needham analysts argued that the Kimmel controversy highlighted the dangers of working a regulated broadcast community.
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They estimate that shutting down ABC may:
- Improve shareholder worth by about $20 billion.
- Ship a 10% enhance in valuation.
- Enhance income progress by 40-60 foundation factors (0.4% to 0.6%).
Needham sees streaming as various to community tv
Needham recommended Disney (DIS) may simulcast ABC programming on Hulu or a Disney app as a substitute of counting on associates. The agency stated this strategy would assist Disney attain youthful audiences whereas avoiding FCC oversight.
The underside line is broadcast TV viewership slipped to a record-low 18.5% of general viewing in June as streaming climbed to 46% of the entire, Nielsen stated in its newest Gauge report.
The Kimmel-Kirk sequence of occasions — from Kimmel’s remarks to affiliate boycotts and Wall Avenue suggestions — reveals how a late-night controversy rapidly escalated right into a monetary and regulatory concern.
The episode highlights the rising stress for Disney to rethink ABC’s position in its portfolio. Needham’s report represents the strongest name but for the corporate to exit broadcast tv in favor of streaming.
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