Some US broadcasters will not air Kimmel even as ABC brings back show

"Jimmy Kimmel Live! will return to the airwaves after Disney lifted its indefinite suspension of the US late-night show, but two of the largest affiliate owners Sinclair Broadcasting Group and Nexstar Media Group will not air the long-running programme. Disney owns the broadcaster ABC, home of Jimmy Kimmel Live!. On Monday evening, Disney announced that the show would return following discussions with Kimmel's team and network representatives. However, two of the major affiliate operators have not reversed course."

"The suspension came just hours after Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Brendan Carr warned that stations carrying the show could face fines, or even lose their broadcast licences, urging them to step up. Carr's comments drew pushback across the political spectrum, including from US President Donald Trump's allies. Texas Senator Ted Cruz called Carr's remarks dangerous as hell, and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said Cruz got it right."

"Nexstar owns 23 ABC affiliates and is currently pursuing a $6.2bn merger with competitor Tegna, a deal requiring FCC approval. If completed, the combined company would reach 80 percent of US households, far above the current 39 percent cap, and would require a policy change. Carr has long supported removing that cap. Nexstar's capitulation in hopes of gaining approval for its merger with Tegna is actually Exhibit A in why it should not be allowed to merge with Tegna."

Jimmy Kimmel Live! will return after Disney lifted its indefinite suspension following discussions with Kimmel's team and network representatives. Sinclair Broadcasting Group and Nexstar Media Group will not air the programme, keeping it off affiliate TV stations and significantly cutting Kimmel's reach. Nexstar and Sinclair together own and operate 70 of the 250 ABC stations; Nexstar alone owns 23 ABC affiliates. ABC pulled the show after Kimmel's remarks about the killing of conservative figure Charlie Kirk. FCC Chair Brendan Carr warned that stations carrying the show could face fines or lose broadcast licences. Nexstar is pursuing a $6.2bn merger with Tegna that requires FCC approval and would exceed current ownership caps.

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