The recent suspension of Jimmy Kimmel’s show highlighted a power struggle between ABC and large broadcast groups, Nexstar and Sinclair, who own a significant number of ABC affiliates. Despite pressure from the FCC, the broadcast groups’ initial decision to remove Kimmel from their stations was ultimately unsuccessful. The economics of the situation favored ABC, as the broadcast groups risked losing viewers and revenue by preempting a popular program like Kimmel. Ultimately, the broadcast groups relented, recognizing that the long-term costs of the standoff outweighed the benefits, and the show was put back on air.
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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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ABC has indefinitely suspended Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show due to his comments regarding the murder of Charlie Kirk, which prompted Nexstar Communications Group, operator of 23 ABC affiliates, to pull the show from their stations. Kimmel’s comments on Monday and Tuesday nights, which were critical of responses to the killing, were deemed “offensive and insensitive” by Nexstar. There was no immediate comment from Kimmel or ABC regarding the suspension.
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John Q. Hosedrinker