Sinclair Broadcasting to air Charlie Kirk tribute Friday in place of Jimmy Kimmel's show on ABC

Sinclair Broadcasting Group says it will air a tribute Friday on its ABC stations to conservative political activist Charlie Kirk in place of Jimmy Kimmel's late-night show.

Disney's ABC on Wednesday indefinitely suspended Kimmel's show after he made comments related to Kirk’s killing last week. 

The comment led to Sinclair and Nexstar – the country's two largest station groups – to pull Kimmel‘s show from its ABC stations and Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr threatening to “take action” against Disney and ABC over Kimmel's remarks.

"Sinclair’s ABC stations will air a special in remembrance of Charlie Kirk this Friday, during the Jimmy Kimmel Live! timeslot," the broadcast company posted on X on Wednesday. "The special will also air across all Sinclair stations this weekend. In addition, Sinclair is offering the special to all ABC affiliates across the country.

Sinclair did not provide details in the post about the special programming. 

The company also said it will not lift its suspension of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" on its stations until formal discussions are held with ABC regarding the network’s "commitment to professionalism and accountability."  

Sinclair is also asking Kimmel to issue a direct apology to the Kirk family and that he make a "meaningful" personal donation to the Kirk Family and Turning Point USA, which the 31-year-old Kirk founded. 

During a monologue on Monday, Kimmel said that the "MAGA gang" was trying to politically benefit from the murder of Kirk.

“We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang trying to characterize this kid who killed Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it,” Kimmel said.

Kirk was assassinated Sept. 10 while speaking at a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University by alleged shooter Tyler Robinson, 22, whose mother told police that he "had started to lean more to the left," according to a charging document.

“Mr. Kimmel’s remarks were inappropriate and deeply insensitive at a critical moment for our country,” Sinclair Vice Chairman Jason Smith said. “We believe broadcasters have a responsibility to educate and elevate respectful, constructive dialogue in our communities.”