Nexstar Media Group reverses course on Jimmy Kimmel suspension

Nexstar Media Group announced Friday that it will reinstate “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” across its ABC-affiliated stations.

Executives suspended Kimmel’s show believing he wouldn’t “take down the temperature,” but after talks with him, Disney announced its return—though Sinclair and Nexstar initially kept it off the air. In a statement on its website, Nexstar Media Group said the late-night show would return to air, following what it described as “constructive” discussions with Disney executives.

“We have had discussions with executives at The Walt Disney Company and appreciate their constructive approach to addressing our concerns. As a local broadcaster, Nexstar remains committed to protecting the First Amendment while producing and airing local and national news that is fact-based and unbiased and, above all, broadcasting content that is in the best interest of the communities we serve,” Nexstar Media Group said in a statement.

“We stand apart from cable television, monolithic streaming services, and national networks in our commitment – and obligation – to be stewards of the public airwaves and to protect and reflect the specific sensibilities of our communities. To be clear, our commitment to those principles has guided our decisions throughout this process, independent of any external influence from government agencies or individuals.”

ABC suspended Kimmel after public figures such as MSNBC analyst Matthew Dowd and Washington Post columnist Karen Attiah lost their jobs for celebrating, mocking, or defending Charlie Kirk’s assassination on platforms like BlueSky. Nexstar and Sinclair refused to carry his show following his Sept. 15 remarks about Kirk’s assassination.

Disney executives reportedly feared Kimmel would escalate tensions by attacking conservatives and refusing to retract his statements. After several discussions with Kimmel, Disney announced Monday that the show would return the next night, though Sinclair and Nexstar kept their preemptions in place.

Kimmel returned Tuesday and appeared emotional as he insisted he never meant “to make light of the murder of a young man.” He stopped short of directly apologizing for his previous remarks.

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