ABC canceled Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show on Wednesday following conservative backlash over a monologue he delivered two days prior.
The suspension highlights the Trump administration’s influence over media companies without new regulations. ABC, owned by Disney, faced pressure from Nexstar, a broadcaster seeking FCC approval for a $6 billion merger with Tegna. Nexstar owns 32 ABC affiliates, and Tegna owns 13.FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, appearing on Benny Johnson’s right-wing podcast, urged ABC stations to “push back” and “pre-empt” content not serving local communities, hinting at potential FCC action against ABC. Nexstar then announced it would pre-empt Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely, citing objections to Kimmel’s comments about Charlie Kirk’s killing. Sinclair, owning 31 ABC affiliates, followed suit.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr: "There's actions we can take on licensed broadcasters. It's long past the time that...Comcast and Disney say 'We're not gonna run Kimmel anymore...because we licensed broadcasters are running the possibly of fines or licensed revocation from the FCC.'" pic.twitter.com/L2GK7w1p9J
— The Bulwark (@BulwarkOnline) September 17, 2025
Nexstar’s merger with Tegna requires FCC approval and may need the FCC to raise the 39% household reach cap for broadcasters, as the deal would likely exceed this limit. Nexstar, Sinclair, and Tegna together control 76 of ABC’s 205 affiliates, about 37% of the network’s local stations.ABC announced Kimmel’s indefinite suspension shortly after Nexstar’s statement and Carr’s podcast remarks.