Nexstar And Sinclair To Return Jimmy Kimmel Live! to Air On ABC Affiliates

Nexstar is joining Sinclair in bringing Jimmy Kimmel back on air.

The broadcast groups that preempted the late-night series earlier in September have both announced that Jimmy Kimmel Live! will return to their ABC affiliate broadcast stations.

"We have had discussions with executives at The Walt Disney Company and appreciate their constructive approach to addressing our concerns," Nexstar wrote in a statement, per Deadline. "As a local broadcaster, Nexstar remains committed to protecting the First Amendment while producing and airing local and national news that is fact-based and unbiased and, above all, broadcasting content that is in the best interest of the communities we serve. We stand apart from cable television, monolithic streaming services, and national networks in our commitment – and obligation – to be stewards of the public airwaves and to protect and reflect the specific sensibilities of our communities. To be clear, our commitment to those principles has guided our decisions throughout this process, independent of any external influence from government agencies or individuals."

Sinclair released a similar statement: "Over the last week, we have received thoughtful feedback from viewers, advertisers and community leaders representing a wide range of perspectives. We have also witnessed troubling acts of violence, including the despicable incident of a shooting at an ABC affiliate station in Sacramento. These events underscore why responsible broadcasting matters and why respectful dialogue between differing voices remains so important."

The announcements come three days after Disney reinstated the late night program to its ABC broadcast network after a suspension that lasted nearly a week. Disney had shelved the show after Nexstar — which owns more than two dozen ABC affiliates nationwide, including stations in Nashville, New Orleans and other, smaller markets — decided not to air the show in light of Kimmel's comments about the killing of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. Sinclair soon followed suit.