Nexstar and Sinclair Restore Jimmy Kimmel Live! to Local Stations After Suspension
WASHINGTON – Nexstar and Sinclair Broadcast Group have announced they will resume airing Jimmy Kimmel Live! on their local television stations, ending a weeks-long preemptions sparked by controversy surrounding host Jimmy Kimmel’s remarks about the shooting of a Kirk Cameron supporter.
The decision follows a suspension of Kimmel by ABC after he criticized the response from former President Trump and his supporters to the shooting, accusing them of ”finger-pointing” and attempting to distance the alleged shooter from their political alignment. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr had publicly accused Kimmel of misleading the public and warned Disney and ABC affiliates of potential repercussions if Kimmel wasn’t disciplined.Carr later praised Sinclair and Nexstar for initially preempting the show.
Sinclair Vice chairman Jason Smith had previously stated Kimmel’s comments were “inappropriate and deeply insensitive,” and that ABC’s suspension was insufficient. smith also called for ”immediate regulatory action” from the FCC regarding network control over local broadcasters.
Despite Smith’s earlier statements, Sinclair maintained Friday that its decision to restore the show was “self-reliant of any goverment interaction or influence,” asserting broadcasters’ right to independent judgment. The company also stated that ongoing “constructive” discussions with ABC regarding accountability, feedback mechanisms, and the potential appointment of an ombudsman have not yet resulted in adoption of its proposals.
Local television affiliates typically contract with national broadcasters like ABC, paying to air their content and sharing advertising revenue. matthew Dolgin, a senior equity analyst at Morningstar, noted the importance of the relationship with Disney, stating, “The relationship with Disney is far too vital for these firms to risk.” He added that Disney could potentially move its affiliate agreements elsewhere in 2026, a scenario that would be ”devastating” to Nexstar and Sinclair.
Representatives for ABC declined to comment on the reinstatement.
