Seattle viewers can now watch Jimmy Kimmel Live! following dayslong blackout

Sinclair Broadcast Group has restored Jimmy Kimmel Live! to its ABC affiliates, concluding a dayslong blackout that impacted several stations, including Seattle's KOMO-TV. The blackout originated from remarks Kimmel made following the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Sinclair demanded an apology from Kimmel and a donation to Turning Point USA, a conservative organization. Despite Disney's restoration of Kimmel to national broadcasts, Sinclair and Nexstar continued to preempt the show.

This series of events has ignited a national conversation about First Amendment protections and the responsibilities of broadcasters. Nexstar has not yet announced its plans regarding the airing of Kimmel's program on its affiliates. Kimmel's comments and the subsequent actions by Sinclair reflect ongoing tensions in the media landscape. The situation highlights the intersection of entertainment, politics, and free speech in contemporary discourse.