Media News Daily: Top Stories for 09/24/2025

Jimmy Kimmel Returns: Responds to Suspension and FCC Pressure

Jimmy Kimmel returned to his late-night show Tuesday after a weeklong suspension, emotionally addressing backlash over his comments on the killing of Charlie Kirk. Kimmel clarified he did not intend to make light of the activist’s death and criticized the Trump-era FCC and its chairman Brendan Carr for pushing ABC to discipline him, calling it an attack on free speech. While thanking ABC for ultimately reinstating him, Kimmel condemned broadcasters like Nexstar and Sinclair for continuing to pre-empt his show, and praised Erika Kirk’s message of forgiveness at her husband’s memorial. Read More (The Hill Rating)

Sinclair and Nexstar Maintain Blackout of ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’

Despite ABC reinstating “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” Sinclair and Nexstar are continuing to pre-empt the show on their stations, citing the need for respectful political discourse. The decision follows FCC chairman Brendan Carr’s criticism of Kimmel’s remarks about Charlie Kirk and his call for broadcasters to take action. The controversy comes amid Sinclair’s potential station divestitures and Nexstar’s ongoing acquisition of Tegna, both of which require regulatory review. Read More (Axios Rating)

Man Charged in Sacramento News Station Shooting

Anibal Hernandez Santana was charged with multiple state and federal crimes after allegedly firing shots at Sacramento’s KXTV/ABC10 station, an affiliate of Nexstar, which is in the process of acquiring Tegna. Investigators found notes in his home and vehicle critical of the Trump administration and referencing Charlie Kirk, whose recent killing has stirred political tension. Charges include firearm violations near a school zone and interference with communications, potentially leading to 23 years in prison; prosecutors emphasized the seriousness of politically motivated violence against the media. Read More (The Hill Rating)