Cable providers Nexstar and Sinclair reversed course on Friday, saying that they would stop preempting the ABC late-night comedy show hosted by Jimmy Kimmel beginning that night — after about a week of refusing to air “Jimmy Kimmel Live.”
Nexstar released a statement regarding the change on Friday afternoon, stating that the decision had been made after discussions with ABC parent company Disney — and that the intent was to bring programming that the public would appreciate and enjoy.
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“We have had discussions with executives at The Walt Disney Company and appreciate their constructive approach to addressing our concerns,” Nexstar said. “As a local broadcaster, Nexstar remains committed to protecting the First Amendment while producing and airing local and national news that is fact-based and unbiased and, above all, broadcasting content that is in the best interest of the communities we serve. We stand apart from cable television, monolithic streaming services, and national networks in our commitment — and obligation — to be stewards of the public airwaves and to protect and reflect the specific sensibilities of our communities.”
“To be clear, our commitment to those principles has guided our decisions throughout this process, independent of any external influence from government agencies or individuals,” the statement added.
Sinclair released a similar statement on Friday as well, saying that the broadcast corporation remained committed to providing quality entertainment and had also discussed the matter at length with ABC.
Sinclair announces end of preemption of Jimmy Kimmel Live! – show returns to air this evening on Sinclair’s ABC affiliates pic.twitter.com/DvBwhhuV4Z
— Sinclair, Inc. (@WeAreSinclair) September 26, 2025
Kimmel drew ire over comments he made about assassinated conservative commentator Charlie Kirk — suggesting that the “MAGA gang” was desperate to use the shooting for political purposes — and was eventually preempted by both Nexstar and Sinclair. ABC parent company Disney responded by suspending him “indefinitely,” but he was returned to the air on Tuesday despite still being preempted by Nexstar and Sinclair at the time.
