Image via Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.

Media commentator James Hirsen joins Drew to unpack the growing fallout surrounding Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension. The controversy erupted after Jimmy Kimmel delivered a late-night monologue about Charlie Kirk’s assassination. Many viewers found his comments inflammatory, unkind, and lacking compassion, sparking outrage that quickly escalated beyond the entertainment world.

James explains that the backlash was immediate. Broadcasters Sinclair and Nexstar pulled Kimmel’s program from nearly 400 stations, due to viewer anger and business risks. Reports suggest that Disney CEO Bob Iger offered Kimmel a lifeline: apologize publicly during his monologue and the show could continue. Instead, Kimmel refused, reportedly planning to “double and triple down,” which only made the crisis worse.

The FCC also entered the conversation. Commissioner Brendan Carr reminded networks that broadcast licenses carry obligations to serve the public interest, noting that stations could face consequences if they failed to act. James points out that broadcast TV operates under a different set of rules than cable or streaming, giving the FCC more authority to intervene.

James mentions the media double standards and cancel culture, such as what happened with Roseanne Barr, Gina Carano, Tucker Carlson, Tim Allen, and more. Many viewers saw a pattern – conservative voices removed quickly, while liberal hosts were given second chances.

At its core, the fallout reflects both business realities and cultural divides. Kimmel’s ratings have dropped by nearly half over the past decade, and his sharp partisan tone alienated much of his potential audience. As Drew and James say, late-night TV once thrived on neutrality and celebrity appeal, but today many hosts use their platforms as nightly political soapboxes. For Kimmel, that shift may have finally caught up with him.

The debate remains: was this government overreach, a smart corporate decision, or simply the consequence of alienating millions of viewers during a moment of national grief? Drew and James Hirsen leave you with that question, while the Kimmel controversy may be a turning point for how America views late-night television.

You can listen to the entire hour here!

The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.

Image via Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.
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Media commentator James Hirsen joins Drew to unpack the growing fallout surrounding Jimmy Kimmel&rsquo;s suspension. The controversy erupted after Jimmy Kimmel delivered a late-night monologue about&nbsp;Charlie Kirk&rsquo;s assassination. Many viewers found his comments inflammatory, unkind, and lacking compassion, sparking outrage that quickly escalated beyond the entertainment world.
James explains that the backlash was immediate. Broadcasters Sinclair and Nexstar pulled Kimmel&rsquo;s program from nearly 400 stations, due to viewer anger and business risks. Reports suggest that&nbsp;Disney CEO Bob Iger offered Kimmel a lifeline: apologize publicly during his monologue and the show could continue. Instead, Kimmel refused, reportedly planning to &ldquo;double and triple down,&rdquo; which only made the crisis worse.
The FCC also entered the conversation. Commissioner Brendan Carr reminded networks that broadcast licenses carry obligations to serve the public interest, noting that stations could face consequences if they failed to act. James points out that broadcast TV operates under a different set of rules than cable or streaming, giving the FCC more authority to intervene.
James mentions the media double standards and cancel culture, such as what happened with Roseanne Barr, Gina Carano, Tucker Carlson, Tim Allen, and more. Many viewers saw a pattern &ndash; conservative voices removed quickly, while liberal hosts were given second chances.
At its core, the fallout reflects both business realities and cultural divides. Kimmel&rsquo;s ratings have dropped by nearly half over the past decade, and his sharp partisan tone alienated much of his potential audience. As Drew and James say, late-night TV once thrived on neutrality and celebrity appeal, but today many hosts use their platforms as nightly political soapboxes. For Kimmel, that shift may have finally caught up with him.
The debate remains: was this government overreach, a smart corporate decision, or simply the consequence of alienating millions of viewers during a moment of national grief? Drew and James Hirsen leave you with that question, while the Kimmel controversy may be a turning point for how America views late-night television.
You can listen to the entire hour <a href="https://relevantradio.com/2025/09/jimmy-kimmel-fallout-with-james-hirsen/">here</a>!
<hr>
The&nbsp;best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It&rsquo;s free and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out <a href="https://relevantradio.com/listen/get-the-app/">here</a>.

Life can get busy, and it's easy to miss out on the captivating moments from your favorite Relevant Radio shows. But now, we've got you covered! "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" brings you the crème de la crème of Relevant Radio's programming. We carefully curate and compile the most engaging and relevant content from the past week, just for you! Get ready to catch up on faith, culture, current events, and personal growth, all in one convenient and easily accessible podcast. It's like having a front-row seat to the most compelling moments from Relevant Radio's diverse range of shows. So, whether you're an active Relevant Radio listener or new to our programming, "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" is your passport to a world of knowledge, growth, and inspiration.

Life can get busy, and it's easy to miss out on the captivating moments from your favorite Relevant Radio shows. But now, we've got you covered! "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" brings you the crème de la crème of Relevant Radio's programming. We carefully curate and compile the most engaging and relevant content from the past week, just for you! Get ready to catch up on faith, culture, current events, and personal growth, all in one convenient and easily accessible podcast. It's like having a front-row seat to the most compelling moments from Relevant Radio's diverse range of shows. So, whether you're an active Relevant Radio listener or new to our programming, "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" is your passport to a world of knowledge, growth, and inspiration.

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