Second Trump-critical TV show is canceled – what's behind it?

US host Jimmy Kimmel's late-night show has been suspended indefinitely by ABC. The official reason for this drastic measure was comments Kimmel made about the events surrounding the murder of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk.

According to the AP news agency, Kimmel made several references to the reaction to Kirk's murder during his Monday and Tuesday night broadcasts, noting that "many in MAGA country are working very hard to exploit the murder of Charlie Kirk."

He also suggested that Kirk's alleged killer, Tyler Robinson, might be a pro-Trump Republican. According to the AP, Kimmel said, "The MAGA gang is desperately trying to paint this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them." These statements sparked a heated debate in the media.

After the Nexstar Communications Group, which operates many local stations, announced that it would remove the show from its schedule starting Wednesday, ABC also took action.

According to the AP, Nexstar's broadcasting president, Andrew Alford, called Kimmel's comments "offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse." Kimmel has not yet commented on the allegations. ABC also did not provide a specific reason for the show's cancellation in its official statement.

Donald Trump welcomed ABC's decision on Truth Social, writing: "Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what was necessary."

But according to AP, there could be something else behind the cancellation of Kimmel's show, especially since he has long been a harsh critic of the president: Disney is seeking approval for ESPN's acquisition of the NFL Network, while Nexstar needs the Trump administration's approval for its $6.2 billion purchase of broadcast rival Tegna.