Nexstar and Sinclair Will Not Air Kimmel Despite Show’s Return

Nexstar and Sinclair will continue preempting Jimmy Kimmel Live, despite the show’s return on Tuesday.

On Monday, Disney announced that Jimmy Kimmel Live would return on Tuesday, Sept. 23. The show has been out of ABC’s lineup since last Wednesday amid backlash from the FCC and local TV giants Nexstar and Sinclair over Kimmel’s comments on the death of Charlie Kirk.

Despite the announcement, Nexstar and Sinclair, some of the largest owners of local TV affiliates, both said they would not air the show.

On Monday, Sinclair said on X that it would preempt Jimmy Kimmel Live in favor of news coverage and “evaluate the show’s potential return.” Meanwhile, Nexstar, which is currently seeking FCC approval for a $6.2 billion deal for rival Tegna, also noted that it would air news coverage instead of Jimmy Kimmel Live pending “assurance that all parties are committed to fostering an environment of respectful, constructive dialogue in the markets we serve.”

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