Nexstar and Disney in “Productive Discussions” To Return “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”

Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group announced this week that their ABC-affiliated stations will continue to preempt Jimmy Kimmel Live! even as Disney allows the late-night show to return to its regular broadcast schedule.

Nexstar’s Ongoing Evaluation

In a statement released Wednesday, Nexstar explained that it is still reviewing the show’s status across its local ABC stations.

“Nexstar 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.

“We are 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 broadcaster and Disney executives are in “productive discussions” but it isn’t clear what that entails.

Nexstar’s update follows a statement issued Tuesday, when the company cited “ill-timed and insensitive” comments from host Jimmy Kimmel as the reason for the preemption. Nexstar indicated it would withhold airing the program until assurances were made about maintaining “respectful, constructive dialogue.”

Disney’s Position and Streaming Availability

While the late-night talk show remains off local airwaves in Nexstar and Sinclair markets, Disney noted that Jimmy Kimmel Live! is still available nationwide on its streaming platforms. That includes Disney-owned streaming services, where viewers can watch episodes regardless of local broadcast decisions.

In the meantime, both Nexstar and Sinclair say their local stations will prioritize regional news and original programming while negotiations continue.