Democrat Senators Demand Answers from Nexstar and Sinclair

Democratic senators are seeking clarification from Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcasting Group after both companies decided not to air “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” This decision has raised suspicions about possible behind-the-scenes dealings with the Trump administration and their attempts to gain favor with federal regulators.

Senators Elizabeth Warren, Ron Wyden, Ed Markey, and Chris Van Hollen sent a letter to Nexstar’s Chairman Perry Souk and Sinclair’s CEO Christopher Ripley, questioning how their choice to forgo airing Kimmel’s show connects to regulatory matters currently under consideration by the Trump administration.

They expressed concerns that if Nexstar or Sinclair are censoring criticism of the administration as a trade-off for favorable government actions, it suggests not only a serious breach of free speech rights but also potential violations of federal law.

The letter noted that Kimmel made remarks regarding the assassination of a prominent conservative figure, which seemed to provoke a threat from FCC Chairman Brendan Kerr. After Kerr’s comments, ABC, which is owned by Disney, aired Kimmel’s show, although Nexstar and Sinclair, as major ABC affiliates, did not follow suit. President Trump reportedly supported the decision not to air the broadcast.

Following backlash, Disney announced Kimmel’s return, but Nexstar and Sinclair confirmed they would not resume airing the show on over 60 of their local ABC affiliates. This decision affects one in every four local ABC stations in the U.S., according to the Democrats.

Furthermore, the senators indicated that Nexstar’s existing business dealings with the Trump administration, particularly a proposed merger with Tegna, necessitate regulatory approval. Sinclair is similarly engaged in awaiting FCC consent for its broadcast contracts.

Reports suggest that Nexstar is expecting an apology from Kimmel regarding the uproar over his comments. Though, Kimmel appears to have dismissed any intent to belittle his remarks and maintained a critical stance towards Carr and Trump during his recent episodes.

The senators argue that the recent events raise serious questions about potential influences from the Trump administration on Nexstar and Sinclair’s decisions, questioning whether these actions are intended to mitigate regulatory scrutiny and affect the review of ongoing deals.

They pointed out that if Nexstar and Sinclair were, in fact, suppressing Kimmel’s show for regulatory advantages, they may inadvertently be compromising First Amendment freedoms. The potential development of a quid-pro-quo situation could significantly conflict with anti-corruption laws.

Democrats highlighted Nexstar’s plans for a $6.2 billion acquisition of Tegna, which would require FCC approval, while Sinclair aims for amendments in television ownership regulations.

In their letter, the senators demanded responses to their inquiries by October 7th, including details on any discussions surrounding the postponement of Kimmel’s show and the sought-after regulatory favors. They want to know why, despite Disney’s decision to reinstate the show, Nexstar and Sinclair chose not to.

• Details about Nexstar’s executives’ involvement in discussions regarding Kimmel’s cancellation.
• Information on any discussions involving Sinclair executives regarding the show’s preemption.
• Actions being taken by these companies to align with the Trump administration’s interests concerning pending transactions.

Nexstar and Sinclair have not yet responded to these inquiries.