In the recent kerfuffle surrounding Jimmy Kimmel’s temporary removal from the air, we see another clear example of the ongoing cultural and ideological wars that have gripped the nation. Kimmel faced backlash after making controversial comments on his show. This stirred the pot in such a way that it led to his removal from broadcast, albeit briefly, by those who took offense. The media’s portrayal of events, particularly by mainstream outlets, has once again raised concerns about bias and partiality.

Many on the left seem unfazed by the idea of misrepresenting facts to protect their ideological allies. Mainstream media has a habit of downplaying or spinning stories that don’t fit into their preferred worldview. The reaction from affiliates like Sinclair and Nexstar marks a significant development in how networks handle controversial figures. They opted out of airing Kimmel’s show, reflecting the priorities of their audience, which is often more conservative and not as aligned with Hollywood’s liberal tilt. This reflects a broader refusal to be bullied by the big media conglomerates located on the coasts who often seem out of touch with the rest of America.

Americans across the heartland are increasingly fed up with broadcasts that they perceive as one-sided. They yearn for networks that respect their values and concerns. The digital age offers alternative distribution avenues like YouTube or Hulu, and yet, the power of traditional broadcast shouldn’t be underestimated. The backlash faced by Kimmel highlights the complicated relationship between network producers and local affiliates that know their viewers better than anyone else. Real diversity of opinion in media relies upon these affiliates continuing to exercise their power and holding major networks accountable. It’s a fitting reminder that in a supposedly free market, audiences, not just advertisers or executives, should ultimately guide the content that gets produced and aired.