Nexstar Media Group said Tuesday it will continue to block Jimmy Kimmel Live! on the ABC stations it owns, despite Disney’s decision to restore the late-night program to the network lineup.
In a statement, the company said it moved last week to pull the show after what ABC itself characterized as “ill-timed and insensitive” remarks from Kimmel amid a heated national moment. Nexstar added that it stands by the choice “pending assurance that all parties are committed to fostering an environment of respectful, constructive dialogue” in the local communities its stations serve. Until then, Nexstar said, its outlets will substitute local news and other market-relevant programming, while noting that “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” remains available nationwide on Disney-owned streaming platforms.
Nexstar owns 32 ABC affiliates. On Monday, Sinclair Broadcast Group, the operator of 30 ABC affiliates, announced a similar move, stating it would preempt Kimmel and insert news coverage while talks with ABC continue.
Kimmel’s show was pulled from ABC’s schedule last Wednesday after his comments related to the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk drew fierce backlash and prompted a warning from FCC Chair Brendan Carr, who suggested there were potential regulatory “avenues” to consider. Disney’s suspension followed decisions by Nexstar and Sinclair to drop the program; Kimmel reportedly told executives he would not apologize.
The host is expected to address the controversy on his first night back. Disney said Monday it was returning the show to air after several days of conversations with Kimmel, acknowledging that the timing of his remarks had been insensitive and that pausing production was intended to avoid inflaming tensions.
Reaction has split along familiar lines: critics on the left accused ABC of punishing speech and caving to political pressure. At the same time, conservatives blasted Kimmel for suggesting the suspected shooter was aligned with the MAGA movement. For now, Disney’s reversal does not guarantee uniform carriage—viewers in Nexstar and Sinclair markets may still find late-night newscasts where Kimmel would normally air.
REELated:
ABC pulls Jimmy Kimmel Live! after Charlie Kirk comments
