Jimmy Kimmel’s Show Resumes After Blackout
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group reinstated Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night talk show on their local TV stations Friday night, concluding a lengthy blackout that affected many cities across the U.S.
The suspension of the program began on September 17, following Kimmel’s comments in the aftermath of the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Disney-owned ABC took similar action on the same day, responding to potential threats from the Trump-appointed head of the Federal Communications Commission.
This dual action means that “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” will return to 28 ABC affiliates managed by Nexstar, ranging from Topeka, Kansas, to New Orleans, as well as 38 local Sinclair markets, including Seattle and Washington D.C.
Kimmel’s Comments and Reactions
Kimmel’s suspension lasted less than a week while the affiliate blackout continued just over that period. At the onset of the boycott, Sinclair, known for its conservative content, demanded that Kimmel apologize to Kirk’s family and contribute financially to Turning Point USA, the organization founded by Kirk.
Media Company Statements
Both Nexstar and Sinclair continued to preempt Kimmel’s show for three days after it returned to national broadcasting. Kimmel’s moments of humor were interspersed with serious messages about the importance of free speech.
In a statement, Sinclair underlined its duty as local broadcasters to deliver programs that resonate with their communities while fulfilling national programming obligations. The company acknowledged receipt of feedback from viewers and noted recent troubling acts of violence.
Nexstar expressed gratitude for Disney’s handling of its concerns and affirmed its commitment to protect the First Amendment while providing content beneficial to the communities it serves. Both companies emphasized that external influence did not dictate their decisions.
Impact of the Boycott
The boycott left viewers in numerous cities without access to Kimmel’s show, igniting a nationwide discussion about First Amendment rights, especially in light of conservative concerns over speech following Kirk’s death. Critics accused the companies of censorship, spotlighting political influence within the media.
Matthew Dolgin, a senior analyst at Morningstar, noted that Kimmel’s show’s return to local stations was expected due to the importance of their relationship with Disney. He cautioned that if the relationship soured, the implications could be detrimental for both Nexstar and Sinclair.
