“We Had Some New Lows” Sparks Station Walkouts In 2025 – Here’s Why

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By: Jessica Morrison

“We had some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them.” The line landed like a grenade this week, prompting ABC to pause the late-night show and station groups to preempt broadcasts. Regulators escalated the row, while the return episode drew 6.26M viewers and reignited a national fight over speech and station responsibility. This matters now because the FCC chair publicly warned of possible actions – what happens next could reshape broadcast limits and audience trust?

What you need to know about the quote that rattled late night in 2025

• ABC paused the late-night show on Sept 17, 2025; major affiliates preempted broadcasts.

• FCC chair Brendan Carr warned of potential regulatory steps, escalating pressure.

• The return episode drew 6.26M viewers, a spike versus recent averages.

• Disney stock fell 3.3% from Sept. 18-23 amid shareholder and public scrutiny.

Why this remark blew up among broadcasters and politicians this week

The actor’s line branded an already tense moment with a direct accusation, and local station owners moved quickly to distance themselves. The network’s decision to pause the show touched off bipartisan comment, legal warnings from an FCC official, and public letters from industry figures. If you follow late night, this felt less like a comedy controversy and more like a broadcast-business crisis – will affiliates keep pulling the plug to avoid regulatory heat?

How will affiliates and regulators respond in the coming days of 2025?

Responses split along predictable and surprising lines: some local groups cited public interest obligations, others pointed to advertiser risk and audience backlash. Celebrities and industry peers publicly urged reinstatement and defended free speech, while regulators signaled scrutiny rather than immediate censorship. The dispute now mixes legal threat, corporate governance (shareholder letters), and viewership incentives – which force will win out?

The numbers that reveal the 26M views and ratings surge that widened the row

KPI Value + Unit Change/Impact
Viewers (live+same day) 6.26M viewers 3.5x Q2 average for the show
18-49 demo rating 0.87 (A18-49) Highest regular-episode demo in >10 years
Social/online views 26M views Monologue amplification across platforms

Audience attention vaulted, amplifying pressure on stations and regulators.

The numbers that change the game for networks and advertisers in 2025

KPI Value + Unit Change/Impact
Disney stock move -3.3% Drop during Sept. 18-23 trading window
Market reach lost 23% of U.S. households Nexstar/Sinclair preemptions limit distribution

The financial and distribution impact widened corporate stakes quickly.

Who actually spoke these words and why that person matters now

The quoted line was spoken by Jimmy Kimmel, the late-night host of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, during his September monologue. “We had some new lows…” was delivered while criticizing media and political handling of the suspect in Charlie Kirk’s killing. Kimmel’s position as a high-profile network entertainer makes his words carry outsized consequences: affiliates face regulatory scrutiny, advertisers weigh risk, and shareholders demand explanations. This is why his identity matters now.

What will this quote mean for late night and free speech in 2025?

Expect fast-moving corporate decisions, possible legal posturing, and a larger debate about broadcast accountability. Networks may tighten live-delivery controls or negotiate clearer content protocols, while talent will test whether national reach still protects controversial commentary. Which matters more to you – immediate corporate calm or preserving comedian-driven outrage as part of live TV?

Sources

  • https://deadline.com/2025/09/fcc-jimmy-kimmel-charlie-kirk-suspect-1236547238/
  • https://deadline.com/2025/09/jimmy-kimmel-ratings-return-trump-charlie-kirk-1236553925/
  • https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/22/business/media/jimmy-kimmel-returns-abc.html

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7 thoughts on ““We Had Some New Lows” Sparks Station Walkouts In 2025 – Here’s Why”

  1. I remember when the shocking moments were more, well, shocking! Now its like everyones competing for the most outrageous soundbite. Are we running out of real drama, or are we just getting too comfortable with the chaos?

    Reply
  2. Man, that New Lows comment had folks stormin outta the station like theres a fire drill. Its like the whole TV world turned upside down in one soundbite. Wonder how theyll patch things up after this mess.

    Reply
    • Yeah, man, I saw that! The bomb they dropped with New Lows was like the end of the world on the small screen! It blew everyone’s minds. I wonder how they’re going to fix the mess after that… That’s heavy, bro.

      Reply
  3. Man, that quote was like a storm in a teacup, causing chaos in the late-night realm. Cant believe the drama it sparked! Wonder how affiliates and regulators will handle the fallout. Buckle up, folks!

    Reply
  4. Man, that station drama took me back! Reminds me of that scandal in 22. Ratings chaos, walkouts, the whole shebang. Wonder how this mess will play out this time around. Buckle up, folks!

    Reply
    • Yeah, man, I heard about that mess at the station. It reminded me of the scandal in ’22! It threw the evaluations, resignations, and all that jazz into disarray. We’re going to see quite a show this time around, too. Fasten your seatbelts, guys! It’s going to be a bumpy ride!

      Reply
  5. Man, that quote really stirred up some trouble, huh? Reminds me of that time when my aunt spilled the beans at Thanksgiving dinner. Cant wait to see how the late-night folks and regulators will handle this mess. Drama, drama, drama!

    Reply

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