Senator Cantwell Urges Sinclair to Restore 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' on KOMO: Free Speech Debate Sparks Controversy
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, a prominent Democrat overseeing the Federal Communications Commission, has urged Sinclair Broadcast Group to restore "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" on more than 25 ABC affiliates, including KOMO in Seattle. A social media campaign has also called for advertisers to sever ties with the Seattle TV station. Cantwell emphasized the importance of free expression and a free press, stating that local broadcasting plays a crucial role in upholding these ideals. She sits on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, which has jurisdiction over the FCC.
The controversy began when ABC suspended late-night host Jimmy Kimmel for his comments about pro-Trump conservatives following Charlie Kirk's assassination. Kimmel's remarks led to backlash and protests, prompting ABC to reinstate the host. However, Sinclair chose not to air the show on its ABC affiliates and replaced it with news programming. Sinclair had demanded a public apology from Kimmel and a donation to Turning Point USA, Kirk's conservative activist group, as conditions for airing the show.
Kimmel clarified that he never intended to trivialize Kirk's death and criticized ABC affiliates that refused to broadcast his show. In Seattle, KOMO aired local news coverage and content from Sinclair's national news desk instead of Kimmel's show. Cantwell highlighted Kimmel's popularity in the Puget Sound region and urged Sinclair to bring back the show to KOMO-TV. The decision by Sinclair and Nexstar Media Group to preempt the show has sparked debates about free speech in federally regulated media.
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson criticized Sinclair's actions and called for an apology to Kimmel. Some local advertisers have pulled their ads from KOMO in response to Sinclair's decision. The Seattle Theatre Group paused all scheduled advertising with KOMO, while other targeted advertisers did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Protests have erupted outside KOMO Plaza in Seattle, and an online petition with over 1,700 signatures is urging the station to air Kimmel's show. Allen Goldstein initiated the #CancelKOMO campaign to pressure local businesses to withdraw advertising, citing Sinclair's history of "irresponsible journalism."