Sinclair and Nexstar to resume airing ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ after ending boycott, with the show set to return this Friday.
Local viewers of ABC stations affiliated with Sinclair Broadcasting Group and Nexstar Media will soon be able to enjoy “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” following the resumption of the show, just days after its return to national airing. The companies have officially ended their boycott, announcing that the late-night program will resume its regular timeslot on Friday night, thereby concluding a blackout that impacted nearly 70 cities across the nation.
The temporary suspension of the show began on September 17 when Sinclair and Nexstar preempted it, opting instead for alternative programming. This decision stemmed from widespread backlash related to remarks Jim Kimmel made in response to the tragic shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Kimmel’s comments, deemed offensive by some, implied that the perpetrator was associated with right-wing ideologies. This controversial statement led Disney, the parent company of ABC, to impose a suspension on Kimmel, which was publicly announced.
Kimmel made his return to ABC studios on the following Tuesday, yet both Sinclair and Nexstar continued their refusal to air the show. Following a series of discussions characterized as “constructive,” both companies have now agreed to reinstate Kimmel to their airwaves immediately.
Sinclair operates 38 ABC affiliates in key markets, including Rochester, New York, and Washington, D.C. In a public statement, the company revealed that discussions had taken place with ABC and Disney management regarding potential measures to enhance accountability and community dialogue. This includes the proposal for a network-wide independent ombudsman, a move that Sinclair believes could improve viewer engagement. While these proposals have not yet been adopted by ABC and Disney, Sinclair has expressed optimism about the prospects for future collaboration.
Similarly, Nexstar, which manages ABC affiliates in 28 cities including Albany, Syracuse, and Watertown, has been engaged in discussions with Disney to address its concerns regarding the programming. While specific details about these discussions are not publicly available, Nexstar emphasized its commitment to protecting First Amendment rights while delivering news that is fact-based and unbiased.
Nexstar has positioned itself as a steward of the public airwaves, underscoring its responsibility to honor the diverse sensibilities of its audience. The corporation clarified that its decision-making process remains unaffected by external pressures from governmental entities or individuals.
The reinstatement of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” symbolizes a resolution to the tensions between national programming and local broadcast management, reflecting the delicate balance broadcasters must maintain in catering to both viewer expectations and industry standards.
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