Nexstar Won’t Air Jimmy Kimmel – Network Decision Explained
Summary of the Article: Sinclair Broadcast Group and Jimmy Kimmel Dispute
This article details the ongoing dispute between Sinclair Broadcast Group, the largest owner of local ABC affiliates, and Jimmy Kimmel following controversial comments Kimmel made about Kirk Cameron. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
* The Dispute: Sinclair is refusing to air Jimmy Kimmel’s show on its ABC affiliate stations due to Kimmel’s remarks about Kirk Cameron, a conservative actor.
* Carr’s Involvement: FCC Commissioner Nathan Carr has weighed in, suggesting Sinclair could resolve the issue by having Disney (ABC’s parent company) address the situation, or the FCC might intervene. He frames this as a power play by local broadcasters.
* Sinclair’s Demands: Sinclair wants kimmel to personally apologize to Cameron’s family and make a donation to both the Kirk family and TurningPoint USA. They previously suspended airing Kimmel’s show and won’t lift the suspension without “formal” discussions with ABC.
* Local Broadcaster Power: Carr praises Sinclair’s actions as an example of local stations asserting their power against national programmers like Disney.
* Ancient Precedent: The article notes that local stations have refused to air national programming before (like an “Ellen” episode in 1997), but the availability of streaming platforms now means viewers will still have access to Kimmel’s show.
* Kimmel’s Silence: kimmel has not yet publicly addressed the suspension or his expected return.
In essence, the article highlights a clash between a conservative media company (sinclair) and a late-night comedian, with an FCC Commissioner seemingly supporting the broadcaster’s stance and framing it as a positive development for local media control.