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

Lebanon Condemns Israeli Home Demolitions in Ceasefire Zones: Tensions Rise Over Occupied Territories

BEIRUT – Following a recent ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah, the Israeli military…

Unlocking the Future: Former Sen. Bill Frist Explores Environmental Innovation at ETSU Earth Day Event

Former Senator Bill Frist, a Republican from Tennessee, recently addressed a gathering…

Anthropic Challenges Pentagon’s Assertions on AI Oversight in Military Systems

WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, Anthropic presented an argument to an appeals court,…

Exploring the Kennedy Center’s Ambitious 2-Year Renovation Project

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump views the Kennedy Center as a “tired,…

Get Ready to Feast: Red Ginger Buffet Makes a Grand Reopening This Thursday!

In Elizabethton, Tennessee, Red Ginger Buffet has exciting news for its patrons.…

Unicoi County Sheriff Hopefuls Address Surge in Campaign Sign Theft and Vandalism Ahead of Primary

In Unicoi County, Tennessee, both candidates vying for the sheriff position in…

Turkey Enacts New Law Limiting Social Media for Teens Under 15

ISTANBUL – In a significant move, Turkish legislators approved a new bill…

Valencia College Pays Tribute: Honoring 10 Fallen Officers Who Once Trained in Our Halls

ORLANDO, Fla. – Recently, I was privileged to participate in a truly…

Harbor House of Central Florida Empowers Domestic Violence Survivors to Keep Beloved Pets Safe

ORLANDO, Fla. – For countless survivors of domestic violence, the decision to…