Viewers of local TV stations run by Nexstar and Sinclair should expect to see Jimmy Kimmel back on their screens soon.
Both companies, which own many ABC affiliate stations across the country, have expressed concerns about misleading comments regarding Kimmel and the assassination of Charlie Kirk, according to a source.
Disney appears poised to leverage its influence on these companies to ensure they adhere to the affiliate agreement with ABC. These agreements outline the fees that local broadcasters like Nexstar and Sinclair must pay to air national programming.
These agreements represent a major revenue source for the network, including ABC, which is part of the Disney Entertainment empire overseen by CEO Bob Iger. As Kimmel’s show has been sidelined in numerous markets nationwide, advertisers have begun asking for reduced fees and refunds, which has led to legal measures being contemplated against Iger.
“This is reaching a conclusion—sooner rather than later,” remarked a seasoned media figure familiar with the situation. “Iger is acutely aware of the advertising pressure if Kimmel doesn’t return, which means he must do everything possible to get him back on air.”
No representatives from Disney, Sinclair, or Nexstar responded to requests for comments.
Affiliate agreements permit broadcasters like Sinclair and Nexstar to limit programming from the major network due to what is called a “right to refuse” clause. For instance, in 2018, several stations declined to air the sitcom “Roseanne” after Roseanne Barr’s controversial remarks surfaced.
Recently, protests occurred outside Komo-TV, an ABC affiliate owned by Sinclair Broadcasting in Seattle, aimed at opposing Kimmel’s suspension.
Yes, Nexstar needs approval from the FCC to acquire rival broadcaster Tegna. Similarly, Sinclair is always engaged in deal-making, requiring regulatory approvals, and Trump FCC chair, Brendan Kerr, says it will scrutinize deals for local broadcasters that air misleading content.
Kimmel’s remarks have indeed been controversial. Last week, he incorrectly suggested that the “Maga gang” was trying to exploit Kirk’s killing by reframing the perpetrator’s identity. The actual attacker had made comments highlighting Kirk’s conservative beliefs.
Yet, insiders in the media industry warn of even greater challenges from Disney’s end if Nexstar and Sinclair continue to keep Kimmel off the air. Both have signed an understanding that acknowledges Kimmel’s bipartisan and anti-Trump humor. Disney could argue that his suspension conflicts with their arrangement. Although no apology was issued following Kimmel’s remarks, Disney did express some support for Kirk’s widow after ABC lifted its own suspension on Tuesday.
Disney possesses various leverage points, including the ability to hold back major programming like Monday Night Football, which airs on both ABC and Disney’s ESPN channel.
Meanwhile, Iger is facing mounting pressure from advertisers and shareholders to compel both networks—operating 66 ABC affiliates across 38 states—to bring Kimmel back on air quickly, as the potential impact on Disney’s finances looms.
Combined, these stations control a substantial portion of ABC-related networks. ABC allows them to charge higher ad rates for access to markets, with Kimmel averaging 1.4 million viewers nightly (his ratings spiked to over 6 million when he returned amid the controversy).
Iger, a veteran media executive who has led Disney for two decades, dislikes affiliate networks setting precedents where they choose which programs to air, impacting critical audience reach.
However, even if Iger is likely to prevail in this conflict, his popularity in other areas remains uncertain.
“Honestly, I wouldn’t want to be Bob Iger right now,” remarked a competing media CEO.
