Nexstar extends preemption of Jimmy Kimmel Live as talks with Disney continue

Nexstar Media Group said Wednesday it will continue preempting Jimmy Kimmel Live! on its ABC-affiliated stations while it evaluates the program, even as Disney has allowed the late-night show to return to ABC. In a statement, the company said it is "continuing to evaluate the status of ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ on our ABC-affiliated local television stations, and the show will be preempted while we do so," and that it is "engaged in productive discussions with executives at The Walt Disney Company, with a focus on ensuring the program reflects and respects the diverse interests of the communities we serve." The company noted that its local stations will instead continue to focus on producing local news and other programming intended to serve their markets.

This week’s stance follows Nexstar’s earlier decision to block the show after what ABC described as Mr. Kimmel’s ill-timed and insensitive comments during a period of national discourse. The company said it would maintain the preemption while seeking assurances that all parties are committed to fostering an environment of respectful, constructive dialogue in the markets they serve. In the meantime, Kimmel is available in other forms: the show will be accessible nationwide on Disney-owned streaming platforms, extending the program’s reach beyond the local channels that Nexstar operates.

Kimmel himself returned to the air Tuesday after a brief suspension that Disney had imposed last week. During his monologue, the host clarified remarks about the alleged assassin of Charlie Kirk, praised the widow Erika Kirk, and defended his right to free speech, but he did not offer a direct apology for appearing to imply that the accused killer was aligned with the MAGA movement. His remarks drew criticism from some lawmakers and media watchdogs, and they were part of a broader debate about the line between political commentary and misinformation. The on-air events added another layer to the dispute between Nexstar, which operates hundreds of local stations, and Disney, which owns the ABC network and multiple streaming products.

The parties have not announced a resolution as of now, and Nexstar said the discussions remain productive with a focus on a path forward that aligns with what the company views as core community standards. Officials emphasized that the preemption is intended to ensure programming represents and respects the diverse interests of audiences across Nexstar’s markets, while noting that Kimmel will continue to be available through Disney’s streaming options. This is a developing story, and updates will follow as more information becomes available.