Sinclair Broadcast Group and Nexstar Media Group have announced they will end the preemption of ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live!, with the show returning to their affiliates this Friday.
Sinclair stated, “Our objective throughout this process has been to ensure that programming remains accurate and engaging for the widest possible audience. We take seriously our responsibility as local broadcasters to provide programming that serves the interests of our communities, while also honoring our obligations to air national network programming.”
The company noted that feedback from viewers, advertisers, and community leaders influenced their decision, alongside recent troubling events such as the shooting at an ABC affiliate station in Sacramento. “These events underscore why responsible broadcasting matters and why respectful dialogue between differing voices remains so important,” Sinclair added.
In discussions with ABC, Sinclair proposed measures to enhance accountability and community engagement, including the creation of a network-wide independent ombudsman. While ABC and Disney have not yet adopted these proposals, Sinclair believes they could strengthen trust and accountability.
Nexstar also released a statement, highlighting ongoing discussions with the Walt Disney Company and appreciating their constructive approach. “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 statement read.
Nexstar emphasized its unique role as a steward of the public airwaves, stating, “Our commitment to those principles has guided our decisions throughout this process, independent of any external influence from government agencies or individuals.”
The show was pulled entirely last week after Kimmel’s remarks about the alleged assassin of Charlie Kirk sparked backlash and a veiled threat from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Although Kimmel returned to air on Tuesday, Nexstar and Sinclair affiliates continued to preempt the show until Friday’s announcement. For more, see Kimmel’s late-night show was pulled.
Sinclair emphasized, “Our decision to preempt this program was made independently, without any government interaction or influence. Free speech grants broadcasters the right to exercise judgment regarding the content aired on their local stations. While we understand not everyone will agree with our programming decisions, it is inconsistent to champion free speech while simultaneously demanding broadcasters air specific content.”
“As a company rooted in local stations, Sinclair remains committed to serving our communities with programming that reflects their priorities, earns their trust, and promotes constructive dialogue. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with ABC to deliver content that serves a broad spectrum of our communities,” the company added.
Kimmel faced intense backlash after falsely suggesting that Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old suspect in the Charlie Kirk assassination, was part of the “MAGA gang,” despite reports and an indictment confirming Robinson’s left-wing ideology.
“We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it,” Kimmel said during his show last week.
A source close to negotiations told Fox News Digital that Nexstar and Sinclair expected a sincere apology from Kimmel after his comments enraged conservatives. While Kimmel did not apologize, he became emotional on air, insisting he never intended to make light of Kirk’s death. He also spent much of the episode mocking FCC Chairman Brendan Carr and former President Donald Trump.
Sinclair previously called on Kimmel to “issue a direct apology to the Kirk family” and “make a meaningful personal donation to the Kirk family and Turning Point USA,” demands that have yet to be met.
Both Nexstar and Sinclair have faced political pressure to lift the Kimmel blackout, with Democrats suggesting the preemptions were motivated by a desire to curry favor with federal regulators and appease the Trump administration.
On Tuesday, Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) sent a letter to Nexstar Chairman Perry Sook and Sinclair CEO Christopher Ripley expressing concerns about the decisions not to air Jimmy Kimmel Live! and questioning whether those decisions relate to pending regulatory issues involving the Trump administration.
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