National Network Preempts Late-Night Show for Surprise Tribute After Host’s On-Air Controversy
September 19, 2025 — United States
Viewers expecting a night of jokes and celebrity interviews were stunned Friday when several regional stations abruptly replaced the popular late-night program NightTalk Live with a special tribute broadcast titled In Remembrance of Carter King, honoring the recently slain political activist.
A Monologue That Sparked Outrage
The shake-up began earlier in the week when host Jimmy Kelton used part of his Monday monologue to accuse certain political groups of exploiting King’s tragic death. Kelton questioned early reports linking the alleged shooter to rival activists, pointing instead to conflicting evidence. His sharp remarks lit up social media and drew criticism from commentators across the political spectrum.
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Two major station groups—SolarWave Broadcasting and NextStar MediaWorks—announced they would not air Kelton’s program Friday night. “Our communities deserve compassion, not divisiveness, in the wake of tragedy,” said SolarWave Vice President Jason Marks. Both companies confirmed they would air the King tribute instead, highlighting the activist’s career and charitable projects.
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