Sinclair, Nexstar Resume Jimmy Kimmel Live

Sinclair Broadcast Group and Nexstar Media Group will resume airing Jimmy Kimmel Live! on their ABC affiliates beginning Friday, Sept. 26, restoring the show to millions after a multi‑day blackout. The preemptions followed Kimmel’s remarks about the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, which prompted ABC/Disney to suspend the program and drew criticism from Sinclair, Nexstar and the FCC chair. Sinclair had demanded a personal apology and a “meaningful personal donation” to Turning Point USA, and Nexstar sought assurances that Kimmel would make amends. Both companies said talks with Disney and feedback from viewers, advertisers and community leaders informed their decisions to stop preempting the show. Kimmel returned earlier in the week with a monologue saying he did not intend to make light of the murder, and the program has seen strong ratings amid the controversy. The incident has reignited debate over local broadcasters’ editorial discretion, free‑speech limits, and political and regulatory pressure on local airwaves.