Jimmy Kimmel Returns to Airwaves as ABC Affiliates End Boycott
▼ Summary
– Sinclair Broadcasting and Nexstar Media Group will resume airing Jimmy Kimmel’s show on their ABC affiliates starting this evening.
– The companies had previously suspended the show after FCC Chairman Brendan Carr threatened broadcasters following a joke Kimmel made.
– Sinclair stated its decision to preempt the program was independent of government influence and related to its right to exercise judgment on content.
– Both Sinclair and Nexstar reported having discussions with ABC/Disney about measures to strengthen accountability, though these have not been adopted.
– Disney declined to comment on the situation.
The late-night television landscape shifts once more as Jimmy Kimmel Live! returns to ABC affiliate stations owned by Sinclair Broadcasting and Nexstar Media Group this evening. This development follows a brief but significant boycott by the two major station groups, which together represent roughly a quarter of ABC’s national audience. The decision to pull the show came after host Jimmy Kimmel made a controversial joke, leading to pressure from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr and an initial suspension by Disney. Although Disney quickly reinstated Kimmel, the affiliates chose to replace his time slot with alternative programming until now.
In an official statement, Sinclair explicitly distanced its actions from governmental influence. The broadcaster asserted that its choice to preempt the program was made independently. “Free speech provides broadcasters with the right to exercise judgment as to the content on their local stations,” the company explained. It further argued that championing free speech is inconsistent with demands that specific content must be aired, acknowledging that such programming decisions will not always meet with universal approval.
Sinclair also revealed that it has engaged in talks with ABC, proposing new measures aimed at enhancing accountability and fostering community dialogue. One key suggestion was the appointment of a network-wide independent ombudsman. While ABC and Disney have not adopted these proposals, Sinclair expressed respect for their right to make final decisions under existing affiliate agreements. The company maintains that such steps could significantly strengthen trust and accountability between the network and its local partners.
Echoing this sentiment, Nexstar released its own statement minimizing the role of external pressure. The company stated that its principles have independently guided its decisions throughout the process, without influence from government agencies or individuals. Nexstar confirmed it has held discussions with executives at The Walt Disney Company and appreciated their constructive approach to addressing the raised concerns.
A spokesperson for Disney, Senior Vice President of Strategic Communications Richard Horrmann, declined to offer any comment on the matter. With both station groups now reversing their stance, viewers can expect Jimmy Kimmel to resume his usual place in the late-night lineup starting tonight.
(Source: The Verge)
