Sinclair Broadcasting and Nexstar Media Group, whose stations account for about 25 percent of ABCs national audience, will air Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night talk show on their ABC affiliate stations once again. Sinclair and Nexstar had suspended airing Kimmel’s show under pressure from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr after Disney reinstated Kimmel from a suspension earlier this week, but both companies chose to replace Jimmy Kimmel Live! with other programming even after Kimmel’s reinstatement. The show will be back this evening.
In a statement, Sinclair downplayed the influence of FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, who last week threatened broadcasters that aired Kimmel’s show. The threats came after Kimmel made a joke about the alleged shooter of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, and they were almost immediately followed by Jimmy Kimmel Live!’s removal from Sinclair and Nexstar and his suspension at ABC.
“Our decision to preempt this program was independent of any government interaction or influence,” Sinclair said. “Free speech provides broadcasters with the right to exercise judgment as to the content on their local stations. While we understand that not everyone will agree with our decisions about programming, it is simply inconsistent to champion free speech while demanding that broadcasters air specific content.”
Sinclair said it’s had discussions with ABC where it “proposed measures to strengthen accountability, viewer feedback, and community dialogue, including a network-wide independent ombudsman.” The company adds that “while ABC and Disney have not yet adopted these measures, and Sinclair respects their right to make those decisions under our network affiliate agreements, we believe such measures could strengthen trust and accountability.”
Nexstar also downplayed the influence of Carr, saying in its own statement that that its commitment to its principles has “guided our decisions throughout this process, independent of any external influence from government agencies or individuals.” The company said it has “had discussions with executives at The Walt Disney Company and appreciate their constructive approach to addressing our concerns.”
Disney SVP of strategic communications Richard Horrmann declined to comment.
Update, September 26th: Added that Nexstar will also air Jimmy Kimmel Live! again starting tonight.
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
