Jimmy Kimmel Blackout Officially Ends As Nexstar, Sinclair Reverse Course
Two of the largest local broadcasters in the country announced Friday that they would resume airing “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” ending a week-long blackout of the ABC late-night show.
Nexstar Media Group released a statement Friday afternoon confirming the reversal, saying the decision came after “constructive” discussions with ABC’s parent company, Disney. The company said its move to preempt Kimmel was based on community standards, not political pressure.
“We have had discussions with executives at The Walt Disney Company and appreciate their constructive approach to addressing our concerns,” Nexstar said. “As a local broadcaster, Nexstar remains committed to protecting the First Amendment while producing and airing local and national news that is fact-based and unbiased and, above all, broadcasting content that is in the best interest of the communities we serve.”
The company added that its guiding principles had been “independent of any external influence from government agencies or individuals.”
Sinclair Broadcast Group released a nearly identical statement, saying it had also engaged Disney executives before choosing to lift the blackout. “Sinclair remains committed to providing quality entertainment that reflects the interests and values of the communities we serve,” the company said.
The blackout followed intense backlash against Kimmel for remarks he made after the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Kimmel accused the “MAGA gang” of trying to score political points off the killing, prompting outrage from Turning Point USA and conservative leaders who called his comments defamatory and cruel.
ABC parent company Disney suspended Kimmel “indefinitely” after the controversy, but quietly returned him to the air Tuesday. Even then, Nexstar and Sinclair continued their blackout until Friday’s reversal.
The reinstatement means “Jimmy Kimmel Live” will again air nationwide on ABC affiliates controlled by Nexstar and Sinclair, two companies that together account for nearly 80 stations across the country.