Nexstar Deliberates Over Airing 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' on Its ABC Affiliates

Nexstar Communications announced on Wednesday that it is reassessing whether to resume airing 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' on its ABC-affiliated platforms. This comes after the popular late night program returned to its regular broadcast schedule.

Nexstar's Broadcast Decision

Despite the show's comeback, Nexstar's ABC-affiliated stations chose not to broadcast the episode. The company stated, 'Nexstar is still assessing the placement of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' on our ABC-related local channels. During this evaluation phase, the show will not be aired.' Ongoing conversations are taking place with executives from The Walt Disney Company to ensure that the show's content aligns with the varied interests of the communities represented.

Impact on Broadcast Coverage

Nexstar, along with Sinclair Broadcast Group, decided against airing Kimmel's show which Disney reintroduced on Tuesday, affecting viewers in several regions who could not watch the program on local channels. No comment was available from a Sinclair representative regarding their current negotiations with Disney or if they would continue with the show's suspension.

Collectively, Nexstar and Sinclair control approximately 70 ABC-affiliated stations across the United States.

Kimmel Addresses Preemption

During his monologue on the show's return, Jimmy Kimmel remarked about the preemption, noting, 'While we still reach most of the nation, it's curious that Washington, D.C., is one of the places we're not aired. After nearly 23 years on-air, not reaching 20% of our usual audience is not ideal.'

Controversy Leading to Suspension

The previous week, Disney, which owns ABC, decided to pause 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!'. This decision followed statements made by Kimmel that seemed to connect the alleged murderer of a conservative figure with President Trump's MAGA supporters.

Following the announcement of the show's suspension, Nexstar made it known that it would not broadcast the program. This also came amidst suggestions from FCC Chair Brendan Carr that broadcast licenses for ABC affiliates might be jeopardized because of Kimmel's controversial remarks.

In an emotional response during Tuesday's monologue, Kimmel declared, 'I never intended to make light of the tragic loss of a young man. This is not a humorous situation.'