Nexstar Sinclair Maintain Jimmy Kimmel Suspension on ABC Stations Amid Ongoing Talks

Jimmy Kimmel's late-night talk show, "Jimmy Kimmel Live!," is set to resume production, but major media groups Nexstar and Sinclair have announced they will continue to preempt the show on their ABC affiliate stations due to Kimmel's controversial comments about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Nexstar cited Kimmel's remarks as "ill-timed and insensitive" during a critical moment in national discourse and emphasized their commitment to fostering respectful and constructive dialogue. Kimmel's comments included accusations against the MAGA movement related to Kirk's death, which led to an indefinite suspension by ABC. Despite Disney's decision to bring the series back after discussions with Kimmel, the blocking by Nexstar and Sinclair affects many viewers and the show's crew. The controversy escalated with criticism from the FCC chairman and sparked concerns about government threats to freedom of speech, as highlighted by an ACLU open letter signed by over 400 entertainment figures. Both Nexstar and Sinclair will replace the show with local news or other programming while talks with ABC continue.