ABC affiliates end their boycott, putting Jimmy Kimmel back on the air nationwide
Sinclair Broadcasting and Nexstar Media Group, whose stations represent about 25% of the national audience ABCS, will again broadcast the Talk show of the night of Jimmy Kimmel on their ABC affiliation stations. Sinclair and Nexstar had suspended Kimmel’s show under pressure from the president of the FCC, Brendan Carr Jimmy Kimmel Live! With other programs even after Kimmel’s reinstatement. The show will be back this evening.
In a statement, Sinclair minimized the influence of the President of the FCC, Brendan Carr, who threatened the broadcasters last week that released Kimmel’s program. The threats came after Kimmel jokes about the alleged shooter of the right -wing activist Charlie Kirk, and they were almost immediately followed by Jimmy Kimmel Live! Removal of Sinclair and Nexstar and its suspension in ABC.
“Our decision to preempt this program was independent of any interaction or government influence,” said Sinclair. “Freedom of expression gives radiudiffusers the right to exercise judgment as for the content of their local stations. Although we understand that not everyone will agree with our decisions on programming, it is simply inconsistent to defend freedom of expression while demanding that diffusers like specific content. ”
Sinclair said he had discussions with ABC where she “proposed measures to strengthen responsibility, comments from viewers and community dialogue, including an independent mediator on a network level”. The company adds that “although ABC and Disney have not yet adopted these measures and that Sinclair respects its right to make these decisions by virtue of our network affiliation agreements, we believe that such measures could strengthen trust and responsibility.”
Nexstar also minimized Carr’s influence, affirming in his own declaration that his commitment to his principles “guided our decisions throughout this process, regardless of any external influence of government agencies or individuals”. The company said it had “discussions with managers from Walt Disney Company and appreciated their constructive approach to respond to our concerns”.
Disney please strategic communications Richard Hormann refused to comment.
Update, September 26: Added that Nexstar will also be broadcast Jimmy Kimmel Live! Again to start tonight.
