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This misguided framing prompted an overreaction: FCC chair Brendan Carr accused Kimmel of “sick conduct” and warned broadcasters to cut ties with his show, implying that continued airing could lead to license revocation. Within hours, the major station owner NextStar, sensitive to FCC intimidation and its ongoing merger negotiations with a major company, announced it would stop airing Kimmel’s show altogether. Sinclair Broadcasting followed suit, citing Carr’s remarks, effectively silencing one of the most mainstream voices in late-night comedy.