Tuesday 1pm Update: Nexstar Media, the largest local television station owner in the United States, said Tuesday its owned and partner TV stations affiliated with Disney's ABC will continue to preempt Jimmy Kimmel Live! while monitoring the show as it returns to the network after a six-day suspension.
The update from Nexstar comes after the media and entertainment giant's TV network decided to revoke Kimmel's suspension following criticism from free speech advocates from both sides of the political aisle, with many calling for a boycott of Disney and its streaming service, Disney+.
"We made a decision last week to preempt Jimmy Kimmel Live! following what ABC referred to as Mr. Kimmel’s ill-timed and insensitive comments at a critical time in our national discourse. We stand by that decision pending assurance that all parties are committed to fostering an environment of respectful, constructive dialogue in the markets we serve," Nexstar said in a public statement.
The update from Nexstar comes after the media and entertainment giant's TV network decided to revoke Kimmel's suspension following criticism from free speech advocates from both sides of the political aisle, with many calling for a boycott of Disney and its streaming service, Disney+.
"We made a decision last week to preempt Jimmy Kimmel Live! following what ABC referred to as Mr. Kimmel’s ill-timed and insensitive comments at a critical time in our national discourse. We stand by that decision pending assurance that all parties are committed to fostering an environment of respectful, constructive dialogue in the markets we serve," Nexstar said in a public statement.
Earlier Story...
Sinclair Broadcast Group announced Monday that it will preempt ABC’s "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" starting Tuesday night across its 30 ABC affiliate stations, replacing it with news programming.
Sinclair’s Vice Chairman Jason Smith called Kimmel’s comments “inappropriate and deeply insensitive” during a critical time. The company demands a direct apology from Kimmel to the Kirk family and a significant donation to the Kirk family and Turning Point USA.
The decision follows controversial remarks by Kimmel about an alleged assassin of Charlie Kirk, prompting Sinclair and Nexstar, another ABC affiliate owner, to pull the show last week.
Sinclair stated it will not resume airing the show until appropriate steps are taken to meet national broadcast standards.
Last Wednesday, Kimmel’s show was pulled entirely after his remarks sparked outrage and a veiled FCC threat. Disney initially suspended production to avoid escalating tensions but reversed its decision Monday after discussions with Kimmel, announcing the show’s return on Tuesday.
“Following thoughtful conversations with Jimmy, we decided to resume the show, acknowledging some comments were ill-timed and insensitive,” a Disney spokesperson told Fox News Digital. Kimmel reportedly refused to apologize. Sinclair continues discussions with ABC to evaluate the show’s future.