Picture courtesy of ABC

 

Sinclair and Nexstar have officially lifted their ban on Jimmy Kimmel's talk show, allowing it to air once more on their ABC-affiliated stations beginning Friday evening. This decision marks the end of the recent blackout affecting major cities like Washington, DC, Nashville, and Seattle, among others. The network's return represents a win for Kimmel and ABC, underscoring the influence national networks wield over local affiliates.

 

The blackout began when Nexstar and Sinclair, which manage nearly a quarter of ABC-affiliated stations, decided to preempt the show despite its national reinstatement by ABC. The preemptions followed a stir caused by Kimmel's 15th September monologue, which criticised remarks linked to a suspected gunman. In response, Brendan Carr, a conservative TV regulatory figure, openly disapproved of Kimmel, prompting both Sinclair and Nexstar to take action.

 

Sinclair and Nexstar have denied that their initial decisions were influenced by either governmental entities or political motivations. Despite their previous demands for increased accountability from ABC, both groups have reintroduced the show without establishing any new contractual terms. These events coincided with Nexstar’s ongoing acquisition talks, which necessitated a delicate balance with political relations.

 

Amidst viewer backlash, Kimmel remained upbeat, joking about the preemptions during his show. He poked fun at the controversy, crediting the increased attention for boosting his ratings and YouTube views significantly. Despite challenges, Kimmel's popularity appears to have only grown during this period.

 

Moving forward, both Sinclair and Nexstar have indicated readiness to maintain dialogue with their parent network, Disney, highlighting the importance of community standards and media professionalism. With stations like those in Syracuse and Salt Lake City resuming regular broadcasts, Kimmel’s presence in late-night television remains secure, at least for now.

 

 

Key Takeaways:

 

• Sinclair and Nexstar lift ban on Jimmy Kimmel's show, resuming broadcasts.
• Initial preemptions were linked to political controversy around a Kimmel monologue.
• Both networks emphasise ongoing commitment to local community standards and dialogue.

Related Stories:

 

'Jimmy Kimmel Live' to Return on Air After Charlie Kirk Comments

Nexstar Blocks Jimmy Kimmel Despite Disney's National Return

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from CNN 2025-09-27

 

 

Good happy they folded in 3 days!!Its a victory for free speech in my view.Id bet money trump is throwing plates and raging to bad suck it up and grow a pair ya nepo baby.

As noted on the Soapbox, I will guess at least part of this is pressure from local advertisers who reach the audience they want via Kimmel.

Good to see the Trump effect wearing off! 

Proof certain, you can pass along this "taco" thing he started.

What happened to all the trump crowd ?crickets…….

TACO again.

On 9/27/2025 at 6:42 AM, jerrymahoney said:

As noted on the Soapbox, I will guess at least part of this is pressure from local advertisers who reach the audience they want via Kimmel.

 

Or maybe they just didn't want their studios shot up by leftists.

 

 

Remember this gambit from Sinclair?

Jimmy Kimmel Asked to Apologize and Pay Charlie Kirk's Family if He Wants Suspension Lifted by Nation's Largest ABC Affiliate

The media company Sinclair wants Kimmel to apologize to Kirk's family and make a "meaningful personal donation" to them and Kirk's nonprofit Turning Point USA

https://people.com/jimmy-kimmel-asked-to-apologize-pay-charlie-kirk-family-lift-suspension-11812850

 

Overreaching much?

I am glad that Jimmy is back, and that the Donald is not a complete tyrant yet.

  Just saying. Good Luck America..

Good news for trump, Kimmel's contract has been extended. Gives him something to fulminate against.

9 hours ago, stevenl said:

Good news for trump, Kimmel's contract has been extended. Gives him something to fulminate against.

He was in great form this morning I was guffawing with my morning coffee today OMG!!!his quip about little Donnie’s fake fifa peace prize lmao 🤣 he compared that to some guy wacking off then telling his friends he got layed omg 😳 I almost 💩 my pants!!all 3 shows were excellent this morning poking fun at this abomination of a president!