Disney’s ABC seems hesitant to confront criticism from either conservative or liberal groups, yet it still operates as an organization.
Nexstar Media Group, a Texas-based company that owns numerous television stations—including 32 that are part of Disney’s ABC network—stirred up outrage among liberals on September 17. They made an announcement regarding the indefinite suspension of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”
Comments about this decision described it as “censorship of Kimmel” over alleged corruption.
Nexstar’s stance mirrors that of Sinclair Broadcasting Group, which has also faced criticism for its content. Kimmel suggested that these companies are attempting to frame the left as responsible for actions like the alleged assassination of Charlie Kirk.
On September 15, Kimmel expressed his frustration, suggesting that the right-wing groups were trying to divert blame onto others following a tragic incident involving Kirk.
ABC announced it would suspend Kimmel’s show but faced backlash from Hollywood, Democrats, and liberal activists. Yet, Nexstar and Sinclair held firm, leading to further backlash from the left.
Hours after Nexstar’s announcement, Senator Elizabeth Warren criticized the company’s programming choices as acts of censorship. She tweeted that Nexstar and Sinclair, which manage many local stations and have pending approvals involving Donald Trump, would not air Kimmel’s show that night.
Warren implied Nexstar’s actions might be an attempt to appease Trump and his allies, especially following their $6.2 billion acquisition of Tegna, which owns 13 ABC affiliates, pending FCC approval.
Warren further stated, “This censorship of Kimmel is indicative of underlying issues.” Democratic Senators Ed Markey, Chris Van Hollen, and Ron Wyden joined her in expressing discontent, sending a letter to Nexstar’s Chairman and Sinclair’s CEO that voiced concerns over censorship in exchange for regulatory favors.
The letter cautioned that suspending a comedian’s show for such reasons could violate federal anti-corruption laws and infringe on free speech rights.
Despite the concerns, Nexstar remained unyielding. In a statement, they reiterated their commitment to evaluating the status of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on their local ABC affiliates, noting that the show would be preempted for the time being.
The company added that ongoing discussions with Disney are underway to ensure the program meets the diverse interests of the communities they serve.
