Nexstar Media Group to Continue Leading “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” Amid Pricing Controversies

Nexstar Media Group, Inc. announced on Wednesday that it will maintain its leadership role for “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” even if Disney permits the show to return to ABC.

“Nexstar continues to evaluate the situation regarding ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ and our local ABC-affiliated stations. While this assessment is ongoing, the show will be preempted,” the company stated. They mentioned ongoing positive discussions with Walt Disney Company executives, focusing on representing the diverse interests of the communities they serve.

This comes after a previous announcement on Tuesday when Nexstar indicated that they decided to preempt the show. ABC described Kimmel’s comments as “timed and insensitive,” pledging to encourage respectful and constructive dialogue at a crucial moment in national conversation.

Show Availability and Kimmel’s Return

Despite the suspension, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” remains accessible nationwide through various Disney-owned streaming services. Nexstar intends to prioritize local news and other programming suited to their markets.

Kimmel returned to the airwaves Tuesday after a brief hiatus that started last week. He addressed his remarks regarding Charlie Kirk’s assassin, expressing praise for Kirk’s widow, Erika. However, he did not deliver a direct apology regarding his previous controversial insinuations about the accused individuals.

“It’s important for me to clarify that I never intended to minimize the tragedy of a young man’s murder,” he stated, visibly emotional as he mentioned his Instagram message sending love to Kirk’s family on the day of the incident.

“I wasn’t aiming to blame any specific group for that person’s actions. It was a deeply troubled individual. I realize this may have come off as untimely or inappropriately stated,” he added.

Kimmel Defends Free Speech

Kimmel also found humor in responses to criticism from FCC Chairman Brendan Kerr and former President Donald Trump, defending his right to express his views.

He referred to the criticism as “a direct violation of the First Amendment,” emphasizing that public actions don’t inherently pose an intellectual threat. “The FCC has often meddled where it shouldn’t across different administrations, but in this instance, that wasn’t entirely applicable,” Kimmel remarked.