Thirty ABC affiliates announced they will air a tribute special, In Remembrance of Charlie Kirk, instead of Jimmy Kimmel Live this Friday

National Network Preempts Late-Night Show for Surprise Tribute After Host’s On-Air Controversy

September 19, 2025 — United States
Viewers expecting a night of jokes and celebrity interviews were stunned Friday when several regional stations abruptly replaced the popular late-night program NightTalk Live with a special tribute broadcast titled In Remembrance of Carter King, honoring the recently slain political activist.

A Monologue That Sparked Outrage

The shake-up began earlier in the week when host Jimmy Kelton used part of his Monday monologue to accuse certain political groups of exploiting King’s tragic death. Kelton questioned early reports linking the alleged shooter to rival activists, pointing instead to conflicting evidence. His sharp remarks lit up social media and drew criticism from commentators across the political spectrum.

Affiliates Take Action

Two major station groups—SolarWave Broadcasting and NextStar MediaWorks—announced they would not air Kelton’s program Friday night. “Our communities deserve compassion, not divisiveness, in the wake of tragedy,” said SolarWave Vice President Jason Marks. Both companies confirmed they would air the King tribute instead, highlighting the activist’s career and charitable projects.

Network Responds

Facing mounting backlash, the parent network placed NightTalk Live on temporary hiatus “pending review of Monday’s episode.” Media analysts noted that advertiser pressure and public complaints likely accelerated the decision.

Tribute Details

The replacement special featured archival footage of Carter King’s speeches, interviews with colleagues, and a panel discussion about his influence on youth political engagement. Viewers expressed mixed reactions online—some praising the affiliates for prioritizing sensitivity, others warning that silencing Kelton set a troubling precedent for free speech.

Broader Debate

The incident has reignited national conversations about the balance between open commentary and responsible broadcasting. Whether NightTalk Live will return to its usual format remains uncertain, but industry insiders predict more heated discussions about media accountability in the weeks ahead.