Jimmy Kimmel Live! might be back on the air, but Nexstar Media Group CEO Perry Sook and president Michael Biard are defending their decision to suspend the late-night talk show in the first place.
In a recent memo sent to their staff, they argued that the suspension of host Jimmy Kimmel did not violate the First Amendment, via The Wrap.
Keep reading to find out more…
“No one has an unlimited right to say whatever they want on a talk show. Every network and station has made tough calls when on-air conduct crosses a line. That isn’t a violation of the First Amendment — it’s an exercise of editorial responsibility and stewardship of the public airwaves,” the executives said.
The decision to suspend the show came after Jimmy made comments on Charlie Kirk‘s death that were deemed insensitive. Even after Disney/ABC put the 57-year-old host back on the air, Nexstar and Sinclair Broadcasting Group continued to preempt the show on their ABC affiliate channels (together, the companies own 60+ across the country).
As of Friday (September 26), both Nexstar and Sinclair have backed down and reinstated Jimmy Kimmel Live!. Sinclair agreed first and Nexstar followed shortly after.
Jimmy‘s suspension caused immediate and widespread backlash, with dozens of celebrities and industry members protesting the decision.
Find out what the Jimmy Kimmel Live! host had to say during his first show back (and how the suspension impacted his ratings!).
Source: justjared.com