Jimmy Kimmel came back to ABC after a break and gave an emotional speech, defending himself and criticizing President Trump and the FCC. However, he didn’t actually apologize for anything. Now, Nexstar Media Group, a major owner of ABC stations, has announced that Kimmel won’t be broadcast on their channels in the foreseeable future.
A Network’s Patience Wears Thin
Following Jimmy Kimmel’s return to his show, Nexstar stated they are still deciding whether to air *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* on their local ABC stations and will temporarily skip new episodes while they consider this. They are having positive conversations with Disney executives to make sure the show aligns with the values and interests of the communities they serve.
That comment was deliberate. It’s a clear indication that Nexstar believes Jimmy Kimmel’s show leans too heavily into political bias – delivering a constant stream of jokes critical of conservatives disguised as comedy. Nexstar is suggesting its viewers don’t want to be constantly presented with one-sided political opinions presented as entertainment.
Kimmel’s “Apology” That Wasn’t
The situation is particularly noteworthy given the timing. Jimmy Kimmel came back to ABC after being suspended for a week for incorrectly stating that the person who attacked Charlie Kirk was a conservative supporter of Donald Trump – a claim that was proven false even before it was broadcast. The suspension followed backlash from local stations, concerned advertisers, and pressure on Disney from various groups.
When Jimmy Kimmel came back after the backlash, it wasn’t what I expected. He didn’t offer an apology, exactly. Instead, he got emotional and started to cry. He explained he never meant to downplay the tragedy of Kirk’s death, nor did he intend to point fingers at anyone. He genuinely seemed to understand why so many people were hurt and angry.
What he did not say: “I apologize.”
Rather than admit fault, he immediately shifted blame to Trump and the head of the FCC, Brendan Carr, claiming he was being censored. However, Nexstar’s response showed they didn’t believe his explanation.
Local Stations Refuse to Be a Stage for Partisan Theater
Nexstar’s concern isn’t simply about a single controversial monologue. They’re questioning whether late-night comedy should aim to connect with, or potentially divide, their local audiences. Their emphasis on serving a “diverse range of interests” suggests they believe Kimmel’s consistently political humor doesn’t align with that goal.
Nexstar is currently trying to buy Tegna for $6.2 billion, but the deal needs approval from the Federal Communications Commission. By staying neutral and focusing on local content, Nexstar is trying to show they are trustworthy broadcasters and increase their chances of getting the deal approved.
Nexstar plans to replace Kimmel’s show with local news and programs that better fit the interests of viewers in each city. This move suggests they believe people prefer seeing news about their own communities instead of entertainment from Hollywood.
The Numbers Game
Over 70 ABC local stations, owned by Nexstar and Sinclair, are choosing not to broadcast Jimmy Kimmel’s show. This impacts more than 25% of ABC’s audience and significantly reduces the show’s reach and potential for advertising revenue.
Although Jimmy Kimmel’s comeback monologue was a hit online, gaining millions of views, those views don’t generate revenue like traditional advertising on local TV stations. Without agreements with major station groups like Nexstar and Sinclair, Kimmel’s reach is significantly limited.
Final Thoughts
The dispute between Jimmy Kimmel and Nexstar boils down to this: Kimmel isn’t willing to offer a sincere apology, and Nexstar doesn’t want to air a show that’s seen as overly political and could turn off many viewers.
Honestly, it feels like Jimmy Kimmel is trying to paint himself as some kind of free speech hero, but to me, Nexstar is just seeing him for what he is: a comedian whose show isn’t really connecting with viewers anymore. Unless things drastically change, I think Kimmel’s going to find his rants and emotional appeals are better suited for online platforms than primetime television. It’s a tough situation, but ultimately, it’s about what audiences want.
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2025-09-24 23:57