Nexstar's ABC affiliates will keep Jimmy Kimmel show off air for now
Share this @internewscast.com

Nexstar Media Group announced on Tuesday that despite Disney’s decision to reinstate “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” nationwide, their owned and affiliated ABC stations will not resume broadcasting the show.

“Last week, we chose to preempt ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ following what ABC described as Mr. Kimmel’s ‘ill-timed and insensitive’ comments during a crucial moment in national conversations,” the company stated in a press release. “We uphold that choice until we are confident that all involved are dedicated to promoting respectful and constructive discussions in our service areas.”

This announcement follows a turbulent week for Disney and its ABC network. Disney removed Kimmel’s late-night show from its schedule “indefinitely” last week after Kimmel criticized Republicans for their reaction to conservative commentator Charlie Kirk’s killing.

“The MAGA group is frantically trying to portray this kid who killed Charlie Kirk as anything but one of their own and is doing everything possible to gain political leverage from it,” Kimmel remarked on his September 15 show.

Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr then threatened to “initiate proceedings” against Disney and ABC due to Kimmel’s statements. However, Disney’s move to sideline Kimmel met with backlash from both celebrities and the public, with some protesting and others declaring a boycott of Disney.

By Monday, Disney announced Kimmel’s return for Tuesday. Nevertheless, station owners Nexstar and Sinclair have remained firm in their decision to preempt the show on their ABC affiliates.

The show “will be available nationwide on multiple Disney-owned streaming products, while our stations will focus on continuing to produce local news and other programming relevant to their respective markets,” Nexstar said Tuesday.

Nexstar is seeking FCC approval for a $6.2 billion merger with fellow station owner Tegna.

Sinclair had said its stations would “air a special in remembrance of Charlie Kirk” in place of Kimmel’s show on Friday and “will not lift the suspension” of the program “until formal discussions are held with ABC.” On Monday, the company said that it would continue pre-empting the program on its ABC stations.

Sinclair is currently exploring merger options for its broadcast business, which would also require FCC clearance, CNBC reported.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Investigation Launched into Controversial Mailers in Carter County Mayoral Race

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) has been called upon to probe…

Florida Governor Race Heats Up: Voters Challenged to Identify Key Candidates

ORLANDO, Fla. – As the countdown to Election Day begins, the race…

Asian Markets Surge as Oil Prices Dip Following UAE’s Intent to Withdraw from OPEC

HONG KONG – On Wednesday, Asian stock markets showed a mostly positive…

Mexican National Admits to Posing as Border Patrol Agent to Thwart Deportation Efforts: A Bold Strategy Uncovered

SAN DIEGO – In a surprising twist, a Mexican national residing in…

SantaCon Scandal Unwrapped: New York Judge Condemns Fraudulent Festivity Fiasco

NEW YORK – During the initial court appearance of the organizer behind…

Former South Korean President Yoon Sentenced to 7 Years: Unpacking the Dramatic Charges of Resistance and More

SEOUL – On Wednesday, a South Korean appeals court sentenced former President…

JCPD Reports Armed Robbery Following Marketplace Sale Meetup

Johnson City, Tenn. (WJHL) — An online marketplace transaction turned dangerous when…