Nexstar Media Group has decided to preempt Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show on its ABC affiliates, joining Sinclair Broadcasting Group in pulling the program from over 30 stations. The move follows Disney’s decision to resume airing the show after temporarily suspending it due to Kimmel’s comments. Nexstar emphasized its commitment to local news and relevant programming while awaiting assurance of respectful dialogue.
Both Nexstar and Sinclair have cited concerns over the comedian’s remarks, particularly in light of the ongoing national discourse. Nexstar, the country’s largest local broadcasting group, owns roughly 30 ABC affiliates across cities like Nashville, Tenn., New Orleans, and Salt Lake City. Sinclair also owns dozens of affiliates, including the ABC station serving Washington and its suburbs.
ABC parent Disney announced Monday it would resume airing the show after deciding to suspend it last week to ‘avoid further inflaming a tense situation at an emotional moment for our country.’ The show’s suspension sparked a flood of criticism from lawmakers and party leaders across the aisle, citing concerns about censorship—particularly after Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr threatened to look into affiliates because of the comedian’s comments.
Nexstar is currently seeking a merger with Tegna, which requires FCC approval. The company’s decision to block Kimmel’s show adds to the growing tension regarding media content regulation. The situation highlights the challenges faced by broadcasters when balancing editorial judgment with the public’s demand for diverse and accessible programming.
Disney’s statement on Monday read, ‘We have spent the last days having thoughtful conversations with Jimmy, and after those conversations, we reached the decision to return the, show on Tuesday.’ The decision to resume the show has been met with a mixed response, with some praising the return of the show and others continuing to question the motives behind the initial suspension.