Sinclair and Nexstar Affiliated ABC Stations Drop Jimmy Kimmel Live; Here’s the Complete List

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broadcasters Drop ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ Amidst Controversy

By Saman shafiq
September 23, 2025

Several major television broadcasters are preempting the return of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” across numerous ABC affiliate stations. The decision, announced by Sinclair Broadcast Group and Nexstar Media group, comes after a period of suspension for the late-night host, stemming from recent on-air remarks. The move is sparking a wider conversation about free speech and broadcast standards in the media landscape.

The Suspension and Initial Reaction

The controversy began after Jimmy Kimmel addressed the shooting death of Charlie Kirk, a conservative podcaster, during a broadcast on September 17th. Kimmel’s commentary prompted swift backlash, resulting in an “indefinite” suspension from ABC. The Federal Communications Commission also expressed disapproval of the host’s statements, further escalating the situation.

Nexstar initially signaled its intention not to air the show, and Sinclair quickly followed suit. The stations are planning to replace the program with news coverage, beginning the evening of September 23rd, coinciding with Kimmel’s scheduled return.

Demands for apology and Donation

Prior to the suspension, Sinclair demanded a formal apology from Kimmel to the Kirk family, alongside a monetary donation to Turning Point USA, the organization co-founded by Kirk.These demands were made before any decision regarding the broadcast of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” was finalized.

Affected Stations: A Regional Breakdown

The preemptions impact a significant number of local ABC affiliates. Here’s a summary of stations affected by the decision, categorized by their parent company:

Sinclair Broadcast Group Stations	Nexstar Media group Stations
KVII (Yellow, TX)	WHAK (Nashville, TN)
KVIH (yellow, TX)	KTVX (Salt Lake City, UT)
WBMA (Birmingham, AL)	WTNH (Hartford/New Haven, CT)
WDBB (Birmingham, AL)	WHTM (Harrisburg, PA)
And more…	WOTV (Grand Rapids, MI)

A thorough list of affected stations can be found on the respective websites of Sinclair and Nexstar.

Did You Know? The debate surrounding Kimmel’s suspension highlights the increasing tension between network broadcasting standards and the boundaries of comedic expression.

Disney’s Response and Show’s Return

Disney, the parent company of ABC, initially suspended production to diffuse the escalating tensions.Though, following internal discussions and mounting public pressure, the network announced the show’s return on September 23rd.This decision follows criticism and calls for boycotts against Disney.

“Last Wednesday, we made the decision to suspend production…to avoid further inflaming a tense situation,” Disney stated.”We have spent the last days having thoughtful conversations with jimmy, and after those conversations, we reached the decision to return the show on Tuesday.”

Where to Watch and Ongoing Debate

“Jimmy Kimmel Live!” is typically broadcast on ABC stations Monday through friday at 11:35 p.m. ET/10:35 p.m. CT. Viewers can also access episodes on demand via Hulu. Despite the show’s return to ABC generally, a significant portion of the country will remain unable to watch through their local affiliates due to the decisions made by Sinclair and Nexstar.

What implications does this situation hold for the future of late-night television and broadcast journalism? How will networks balance free speech with the need to avoid controversy?

The Broader Context of Broadcast Censorship

This incident is not isolated. Throughout history, broadcasters have faced scrutiny and pressure regarding content. The concept of “broadcast decency” has been a recurring theme in regulatory debates, especially concerning political speech and controversial topics. The rise of streaming services has introduced a new dynamic,offering content creators more freedom from traditional broadcast regulations.

According to a 2024 report by the Pew Research Center, public trust in television news remains relatively low, with a growing segment of the population relying on alternative sources for data.This trend underscores the importance of responsible journalism and the potential consequences of perceived bias or censorship.

frequently Asked Questions

• What led to Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension? His comments regarding the shooting death of Charlie Kirk during a monologue on his show.
• Which networks are refusing to air ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’? Both Sinclair Broadcast Group and Nexstar Media Group are preempting the show on their ABC affiliates.
• When is ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ returning to ABC? The show returned on Tuesday, September 23rd, but not on all affiliate stations.
• Where can I watch ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ if my local station isn’t airing it? Episodes are available on demand through Hulu.
• What has been Disney’s response to the situation? Disney initially suspended the show, but has since reinstated it after discussions with Kimmel.

Share your thoughts on this developing story in the comments below!