Second Local TV Giant Ends Jimmy Kimmel Boycott and Cave to Pressure!
Written by b87fm on 09/27/2025
Jimmy Kimmel is back on the air everywhere.
Nexstar Media Group confirmed Friday (Sept. 26) that Jimmy Kimmel Live! will return to its ABC affiliates, ending a short-lived blackout. The move follows a similar decision earlier in the day from Sinclair Broadcast Group, which also announced the late-night show would resume airing on its stations.
In a statement, Nexstar said its decision came after “constructive” talks with Disney, adding that as a broadcaster, it remains committed to serving communities with fact-based news and protecting First Amendment rights. Sinclair echoed the sentiment, saying its goal was to provide programming that’s “accurate and engaging for the widest possible audience.”
The decisions come after Kimmel was suspended last week over controversial remarks tied to the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. On Tuesday (Sept. 23), the comedian made an emotional return, clarifying his comments and stressing he never intended to make light of the tragedy or blame any specific group.
“I don’t think the murderer who shot Charlie Kirk represents anyone,” Kimmel said. “This was a sick person who believed violence was a solution. And it isn’t—ever.”
Kimmel also pushed back at what he described as political pressure on affiliates to drop his show, calling it “un-American” and “dangerous.”
The Walt Disney Company, which owns ABC, said the suspension was initially meant to “avoid further inflaming a tense situation.” After conversations with Kimmel, they allowed the show to resume.
Former President Donald Trump celebrated the suspension on Truth Social, calling Kimmel “ratings challenged” while taking shots at other late-night hosts.
Meanwhile, insiders told the New York Post the controversy briefly cast doubt on Nexstar’s $6.2 billion takeover of rival broadcaster Tegna, a deal still awaiting FCC approval.
For now, Kimmel’s show is back on airwaves across the country—though the fallout from his comments and the political firestorm around them is far from over.
