Nexstar Folds to Disney: Jimmy Kimmel Live! Returns Nationwide After Affiliates Cave and Host Fails to Apologize

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The major dispute between television networks and Jimmy Kimmel Live! is now over. Nexstar Media Group, the last network refusing to air the show, has agreed to bring it back to its ABC stations across the country. This follows a similar decision by Sinclair Broadcasting, giving Disney and Jimmy Kimmel a clear win in the conflict.

What’s surprising about this situation isn’t just that the affiliate stations challenged the deal and didn’t succeed, but that Jimmy Kimmel and Disney didn’t give in at all. Sinclair’s many requests were completely denied, Nexstar didn’t even offer clear proposals, and Kimmel refused to apologize or compromise.

Sinclair Caved First

Sinclair Broadcasting was the first company to make a move. They surprised many in the television industry by removing *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* from their channels after Kimmel made what Sinclair considered false and damaging statements about the person who attacked Charlie Kirk. Sinclair explained that Kimmel’s comments upset viewers and went against their responsibility to represent the values of the communities they serve.

But Sinclair went further than general objections. It made direct demands of Disney and Kimmel:

  • A public apology from Kimmel.
  • A financial contribution to Turning Point USA and to Charlie Kirk’s family.
  • The establishment of an independent ombudsman to oversee network programming.

Disney dismissed their complaints. Kimmel wouldn’t apologize, offer any compensation, or adjust his statements. Instead, when he returned to television, he dramatically claimed the situation was a simple misunderstanding, complimented Erika Kirk’s kindness, and asked for forgiveness himself. He then quickly shifted the focus to the threats he had received. Since then, he’s continued to express his views in strongly partisan segments, often criticizing conservatives and President Trump.

Even though Disney didn’t accept its conditions, Sinclair gave in. The company acknowledged Disney had dismissed its suggestions, but it still changed its mind and put Kimmel back on its channels.

Nexstar’s Quieter Capitulation

Nexstar, the biggest owner of local TV stations, first seemed determined to stick to its guns. It said it would stop showing *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* until there was a return to calm and productive conversation, and suggested it wouldn’t be pressured into broadcasting content that didn’t align with local values.

Unlike Sinclair, Nexstar didn’t publicly state what it wanted to achieve. In its last announcement, the company praised Disney for being open to talks and confirmed Jimmy Kimmel would be back on the air. However, they didn’t share any details about the agreement. No compromises were revealed, no steps were taken to prevent similar issues in the future, and the company didn’t explain why they changed their position.

In short, Disney didn’t give. Nexstar gave up.

Kimmel Conceded Nothing

A common thread throughout both events was that Jimmy Kimmel faced no consequences. He didn’t apologize, offer to make things right, or change how he operated. Instead, he downplayed the criticism, claiming it was all a misunderstanding, and portrayed himself as the one who had been threatened and unfairly attacked.

This result is disappointing for those who spoke up and asked for improvements, as their efforts didn’t lead to any changes. Disney and Kimmel, however, will likely present this as a successful resolution to the recent controversy.

Timeline of the Blackout

  • The Spark: Kimmel’s remarks about Charlie Kirk’s murder triggered outrage, with critics blasting the host for spreading political misinformation in the the midst of a tragedy.
  • Affiliate Revolt: Sinclair and Nexstar pulled Jimmy Kimmel Live! from their ABC stations, citing responsibility to local communities.
  • Sinclair’s Demands: The broadcaster demanded an apology, restitution to Turning Point USA and the Kirk family, and an independent ombudsman. Disney rejected all of it.
  • Sacramento Incident: Tensions escalated when an ABC affiliate in Sacramento was the site of a shooting, heightening concerns about public safety and the tenor of political rhetoric.
  • Sinclair Folds: Despite its supposed hard line, Sinclair admitted Disney rejected its proposals and put Kimmel back on the air anyway.
  • Nexstar Folds: The final holdout gave way after vague “constructive discussions” with Disney, offering no evidence of concessions.

What This Means for Broadcasters and Viewers

This saga may be over, but the implications are significant:

  • For Affiliates: Their attempt to assert independence ended in humiliation. Both Sinclair and Nexstar gave in, setting a precedent that Disney can override their concerns with little consequence.
  • For Disney: The company reaffirmed its control over affiliate programming at a time when its influence in other areas is slipping. Even as its stock struggles and attendance at theme parks falters, Disney proved it can still flex muscle when it wants to.
  • For Kimmel: The late-night host is more polarizing than ever, but he now has the backing of both his network and its affiliates. Far from humbled, he’s returned emboldened, attacking conservatives and President Trump with renewed vigor.
  • For Viewers: The people who supported the blackout may feel betrayed. Affiliates promised accountability, but ultimately folded without achieving it.

Conclusion: Disney Wins, Accountability Loses

The suspension of *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* presented a real opportunity – local stations could have stood up for their communities’ values, and viewers could have asked a famous host to take responsibility for his actions. However, both Sinclair and Nexstar ultimately backed down.

Disney rejected compromise. Kimmel refused to apologize. Affiliates folded.

Disney wins. Kimmel Wins. Accountability loses.

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2025-09-27 16:58