Nexstar Media Group has announced it will end its preemption of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, a move that now puts the late-night show back on the air nationwide across ABC affiliates as of Friday night.
In a statement, the company said it had “discussions with executives at The Walt Disney Company” and praised Disney’s “constructive approach to addressing our concerns.” Nexstar emphasized its role as a local broadcaster 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.”
Positioning itself in contrast to “cable television, monolithic streaming services, and national networks,” the group said its decisions are rooted in “a commitment – and obligation – to be stewards of the public airwaves and to protect and reflect the specific sensibilities of our communities.”
The company also sought to dispel speculation of political involvement, stating that its actions were “independent of any external influence from government agencies or individuals.”
Nexstar’s announcement came quickly on the heels of news that Sinclair, the other large station group that had been boycotting Kimmel, would also be returning the show to its affiliates.
Kimmel returned to ABC earlier this week to record ratings, despite not being carried the 60+ markets controlled by Nexstar and Sinclair. ABC is reported to have not made any concessions in negotiations with either company, which were both obligated to the terms of their carriage agreements with the network.
About damn time