ABC has reinstated Jimmy Kimmel Live! — but Sinclair Broadcast Group says it will keep preempting the show on its ABC affiliates and replace it with “news programming.” That’s censorship by a powerful local TV owner, and it’s unacceptable.

Sinclair controls a significant portion of the ABC footprint — 39 ABC affiliate stations nationwide — meaning its decision can block millions of viewers from watching a program that ABC itself has reinstated on the air.

This isn’t happening in a vacuum. Media reporting and academic analysis have documented how Sinclair has utilized its network of local stations to disseminate coordinated right-wing talking points under the guise of “local news,” including infamous “must-run” segments and a national news product that media analysts claim spreads partisan narratives.

After ABC paused the show, Sinclair publicly issued conditions for allowing Kimmel back — including an on-air apology to Charlie Kirk’s family and a “meaningful donation” to TalkingPoints USA — and now says it will keep the show off its ABC stations even as ABC brings it back. A giant station owner should not wield ideological veto power over a network’s late-night lineup.