By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair have decided not to air the return of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” after Disney announced its reinstatement following controversial comments made by host Jimmy Kimmel. Both companies, which own numerous broadcast TV stations, cited Kimmel’s remarks linking a suspect to President Trump’s MAGA movement as the reason for preempting the show. While the show will be available on Disney-owned streaming platforms, Nexstar and Sinclair will focus on local news and programming. Disney had previously paused the show, but decided to bring it back, a decision communicated to Kimmel by Disney CEO Bob Iger and Dana Walden.
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Nexstar-owned ABC affiliates won’t show Kimmel’s return Tuesday, joining Sinclair in preempting the program, and this feels like a significant moment. What’s happening isn’t a groundswell of local stations deciding independently; it’s a top-down directive from just two major corporations, Nexstar and Sinclair. This consolidation of power is a little unsettling when you think about the implications for diverse viewpoints and free access to information. It’s a reminder of how quickly things can shift when a few entities control so much.
The fact that this decision impacts millions of viewers who want to watch Jimmy Kimmel’s return is, frankly, a problem. These viewers, many of whom likely tune in through various apps and streaming services, are now being denied access to the show on their local ABC affiliates because of what seems to be a political stance. Considering Kimmel is going back on the air, the situation appears to be much ado about nothing.
The sponsors of the shows being preempted – Google, Starbucks, McDonald’s, Allstate, Verizon, Walmart, P&G, Taco Bell, Nintendo, State Farm, AT&T, Home Depot, Target, and Honda – have the kind of reach that can significantly impact advertisers, and are the targets of the boycotts recommended by many. This is a key point. It’s not just about missing an episode; it’s about what this preemption says about the state of media.
This decision by Nexstar and Sinclair feels like a bold move. These companies likely cater to older audiences and may be trying to appease a specific demographic. It’s a gamble, as Kimmel’s show might actually attract even *more* viewers to alternative platforms like streaming services, turning what could be a setback into a win. ABC’s response to this preemption, however, is something that remains to be seen.
And the implications of the preemption are potentially quite significant. Some question whether these moves violate ABC’s contracts with the affiliates, hinting at legal challenges. At the very least, ABC could retaliate by limiting sports broadcasts on the offending stations. Another possibility involves pulling the sports broadcasts, which could be particularly painful for both the affiliates and their viewers. This could be a very interesting next chapter, especially with college football and the NFL involved.
Now, let’s be clear, the tools to fight back are already being used. Viewers who are upset can watch the show on alternative platforms, and have already taken the step of tracking the sponsors airing commercials during the blocked airtime. Contacting those advertisers to express displeasure with their support of this decision is a powerful tactic, and is what many consider the primary weapon in this particular fight. This is a call to action and a reminder that the internet doesn’t respect the censorship attempts of a few large corporations.
This situation also sparks questions about the future of broadcast television, and why anyone is watching shows via local affiliate station broadcasts, and the value of traditional cable and satellite. As more people turn to streaming, companies like Nexstar and Sinclair are in a tricky position and are revealing that they are struggling with changing business dynamics. This feels like a pivotal moment, a canary in the coal mine for the future of broadcast TV.
The whole thing boils down to the fact that the consolidation of media control in the hands of a few companies is a real issue. These entities, often with a conservative bent, can shape the narratives and restrict what people see and hear. The irony of conservatives suddenly not supporting the idea of free speech is almost laughable, and the fact remains that many will be able to watch Kimmel’s return, despite the efforts of a few large media corporations.
It appears that all of this is designed to artificially lower his ratings for the sake of controlling content. It’s sad, but the reality is that the right wingers are trying to control the media by any means necessary. Broadcast television is already on the decline, and this is a sign of its end.
Ultimately, the message is clear: if you don’t like what’s happening, there are ways to make your voice heard. Boycotts can be powerful, and sharing information can help spread awareness. In a connected world, corporate censorship is hard, if not impossible, to enforce. This whole situation highlights the importance of diverse media sources and the need to fight for the right to see and hear a variety of viewpoints.