Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group are two of the largest owners of local television stations in the United States, controlling hundreds of affiliates across major networks like ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox.
Both companies have significant influence over what content airs in local markets, as they operate or partner with stations that reach millions of households. They are major players in the broadcast industry, often navigating FCC regulations on ownership limits, mergers, and content standards.
📺Nexstar Media Group: Headquartered in Irving, Texas, Nexstar is the nation's largest TV station owner, with over 200 owned or operated stations in more than 100 markets, reaching about 39% of U.S. TV households (the FCC's national cap). It generates revenue primarily from local advertising, political ads, and retransmission fees from cable providers. Nexstar is known for aggressive acquisitions and has been a vocal advocate for relaxing FCC ownership rules to compete with streaming giants.
📺Sinclair Broadcast Group: Based in Hunt Valley, Maryland, Sinclair is the second-largest station group, owning or operating around 185 stations in 86 markets, reaching about 40% of households through affiliates and sidecar companies. It's often criticized for conservative-leaning editorial content and mandatory commentary syndication to local stations. Like Nexstar, Sinclair relies on local news, sports, and political advertising.
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| Carr, Kimmel |
On Wednesday, both Nexstar and Sinclair announced they would preempt (skip airing) Jimmy Kimmel Live! on their ABC-affiliated stations "indefinitely" or "for the foreseeable future," citing Kimmel's "offensive and insensitive" monologue comments about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Kimmel had mocked attempts to portray Kirk's killer as unrelated to MAGA supporters, saying, "We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them.
"This decision affected dozens of stations: Nexstar controls about 32 ABC affiliates, and Sinclair about 40. Shortly after, ABC (owned by Disney) suspended the show network-wide "indefinitely," replacing it with a tribute to Kirk on Friday. FCC Chair Brendan Carr had publicly condemned Kimmel earlier that day on a podcast, calling his remarks "some of the sickest conduct possible" and urging affiliates to preempt the show to serve "community values," while hinting at potential FCC action against broadcasters airing such content.