Core Viewpoint - Nexstar Media's suspension of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" poses challenges for Disney CEO Bob Iger and may not be sufficient to secure regulatory approval for Nexstar's $6.2 billion acquisition of Tegna [1][2]. Group 1: Regulatory Challenges - Nexstar faces significant hurdles in obtaining White House approval for its $6.2 billion deal to acquire Tegna, with strong opposition from Republicans and right-leaning news networks [2][3]. - The opposition is particularly pronounced from Newsmax, whose CEO has close ties to GOP lawmakers and the Trump administration, raising concerns about the merger's implications [3][10]. - Critics argue that Nexstar's suspension of Kimmel is a strategic move to demonstrate a commitment to balanced programming, which may not be enough to satisfy regulators [5][6][13]. Group 2: Market Position and Strategy - Nexstar is already a major player in the local TV market, owning approximately three dozen ABC affiliates, and is evaluating the status of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" on its stations [7]. - The company claims that its discussions with Disney focus on ensuring programming reflects the diverse interests of the communities it serves [8]. - The merger would potentially allow Nexstar to reach nearly 80% of U.S. households, significantly exceeding the current 39% cap, raising concerns about monopolistic control over local broadcasting [17]. Group 3: Political and Regulatory Landscape - FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has indicated that he will withhold approval for local broadcast licenses and mergers if networks do not provide more balanced programming [12][18]. - There is skepticism among media insiders regarding Nexstar's claims that the suspension of Kimmel is unrelated to the Tegna deal approval process [13]. - The political landscape is further complicated by the fact that both Nexstar and Sinclair, another local TV giant, have suspended Kimmel amid the controversy, indicating a broader industry response to regulatory pressures [9][12].

Core Insights - Jimmy Kimmel's return to host "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" achieved record viewership, with 6.26 million viewers, significantly higher than the usual 1.55 million this year [1][2] - The show was suspended on September 17 due to Kimmel's comments about conservative activist Charlie Kirk, leading to a surge in online views for his opening monologue, which garnered over 26 million views on YouTube and social media [2][3] - Kimmel expressed support for Disney but criticized the suspension decision made by CEO Bob Iger and Dana Walden, labeling government threats to comedians as anti-American [3][4] Industry Context - The late-night talk show segment has seen a decline in viewership overall, with Kimmel's ratings down approximately 37% from a decade ago, reflecting a broader trend of audiences shifting to streaming services and social media [5] - Despite the high viewership for Kimmel's return, the total does not account for viewers on streaming platforms, and the absence of major ABC affiliates like Nexstar Media Group Inc and Sinclair Inc, which reach about 23% of US households, may have impacted overall ratings [4]

Core Viewpoint - Jimmy Kimmel's late-night talk show "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" continues to be blacked out in numerous cities due to the actions of major ABC affiliate owners Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group, following Kimmel's controversial comments regarding conservative activist Charlie Kirk's killing [1][6][9]. Group 1: Blackout Status - Nexstar Media Group has decided to preempt "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" on its ABC-affiliated local television stations while evaluating the show's status [2][4]. - Sinclair Broadcast Group has also opted to replace Kimmel's show with news programming on its ABC outlets, further contributing to the blackout [6][8]. Group 2: Corporate Dynamics - The ongoing situation indicates a struggle between Disney, which owns ABC, and its two largest affiliate owners, Nexstar and Sinclair, over the airing of Kimmel's show [6][9]. - Disney is reportedly in discussions with Nexstar to ensure the program aligns with the diverse interests of the communities served [4]. Group 3: Potential Legal Implications - The conflict between Disney and the affiliate owners may escalate into legal battles, as affiliates risk breaching contracts by not airing the show [9][10]. - Both Nexstar and Sinclair require FCC approval for significant deals, which adds a layer of complexity to the situation, especially given the political context surrounding Kimmel's remarks [10]. Group 4: Alternative Distribution Strategies - Disney is considering alternative distribution methods for Kimmel's show through secondary networks if affiliates continue to refuse to air it [13]. - There is a possibility that Kimmel could be rerouted through platforms like Home Shopping Network, which are not directly owned by ABC [14]. Group 5: Financial Considerations - Despite facing declining ratings and an estimated annual loss of $20 million, Disney maintains Kimmel's show due to the revenue generated from affiliate fees, sponsorships, and online content [14].

Core Points - Nexstar Media Group is evaluating the status of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" on its ABC-affiliated stations after the show returned to Disney-owned ABC [2][4] - Nexstar and Sinclair, two major broadcast station owners, own approximately 70 ABC affiliate stations in the U.S. [3] - The show was preempted in many markets, affecting 20% of the country, particularly in Washington, D.C. [4][5] Group 1 - Nexstar stated it is engaged in discussions with Disney to ensure the program meets the diverse interests of the communities served [2] - Kimmel's comments linking a murder to political movements led to the suspension of the show’s production by Disney [4][5] - Kimmel expressed concern over the preemption, highlighting the irony of not being broadcast in significant areas after 23 years on air [4] Group 2 - The FCC Chair suggested that ABC affiliate stations could risk losing broadcast licenses due to Kimmel's comments [5] - Nexstar's decision to preempt the show coincided with Kimmel's controversial remarks, indicating a potential conflict between content and community standards [5] - The situation reflects ongoing tensions between broadcast networks and local affiliates regarding content management and community representation [2][3]

Core Viewpoint - Nexstar Media Group will continue to preempt "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" despite ongoing discussions with Disney, focusing on community interests and reflecting diverse perspectives [1][2]. Group 1: Company Actions - Nexstar Media Group, a major owner of local TV stations, has decided not to air Kimmel's show, marking it as the first major station group to take this action [2]. - Sinclair Broadcasting Group, the largest owner of ABC stations, also declined to air Kimmel's return, with uncertain plans for future broadcasts [4]. - If Sinclair continues to refuse airing Kimmel, approximately 25% of ABC stations will not broadcast the show, leading viewers to rely on Disney's streaming services for access [8]. Group 2: Industry Context - Nexstar's decision is under scrutiny due to its pending $6.2 billion merger with Tegna, which requires FCC approval [2]. - Kimmel's return was influenced by significant pressure, including calls to cancel Disney+ subscriptions and public support from Hollywood actors and congressional Democrats [9].

(Bloomberg Opinion) -- Other than Jimmy Kimmel himself, the only person who had as much to gain or lose on Tuesday night from the comedian’s return to late-night television was Bob Iger, the chief executive officer of Walt Disney Co. It had ultimately been Iger’s call to sideline Kimmel — a decision that would have seemed unthinkable three years ago when he returned to Disney for a second run at the top job. Since then, Iger had morphed from outspoken CEO to capitulating yes-man. It’s a transformation th ...

Core Viewpoint - The suspension of Jimmy Kimmel's show by local affiliates Nexstar and Sinclair highlights the complex relationship between local TV stations and national broadcasters, particularly in the context of differing audience values and programming decisions [1][16]. Group 1: Company Overview - Nexstar Media Group operates 28 ABC affiliates and owns or partners with over 200 stations across 116 U.S. markets, including major cities like Nashville and New Orleans [5][6]. - Sinclair Broadcast Group operates 38 local ABC affiliates and owns or provides services to 178 TV stations in 81 markets, maintaining a conservative viewpoint in its broadcasts [7][8]. Group 2: Recent Developments - Nexstar announced a $6.2 billion deal to acquire TEGNA Inc., which owns 64 additional TV stations, pending changes to FCC rules on station ownership [6][17]. - Sinclair has decided to preempt Kimmel's show with local news programming, indicating ongoing discussions with ABC regarding the show's potential return [7][17]. Group 3: Industry Dynamics - Local affiliates rely on national broadcasters for programming while also producing their own local content, sharing advertising revenue [9][10]. - The balance of power may favor ABC over local affiliates, as the ABC network constitutes a small percentage of Disney's overall revenue, allowing for alternative distribution methods [15][16]. Group 4: Controversies and Influence - Sinclair faced backlash in 2018 for requiring local anchors to read identical statements, showcasing the influence of corporate directives on local news [12][17]. - The current situation with Kimmel reflects a broader tension between national programming and the values of conservative-leaning communities served by affiliates like Sinclair and Nexstar [15][16].

Core Viewpoint - Disney's reinstatement of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" has intensified the conflict between ABC and local TV broadcasters Sinclair and Nexstar, who collectively own nearly a third of ABC affiliate stations in the US and have decided not to air the show, opting instead for local news [1][2]. Group 1: ABC's Situation - ABC suspended "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" indefinitely due to backlash from Sinclair and Nexstar, as well as pressure from FCC chair Brendan Carr, who threatened to review local broadcast licenses if the show continued to air [2]. - If Sinclair and Nexstar do not air Kimmel's show, ABC's audience may decline, potentially leading to "makegoods" for ad buyers and a long-term decrease in ad rates, further impacting ABC's already declining TV revenue [3]. Group 2: Local Broadcasters' Risks - Local broadcasters may face backlash for boycotting Kimmel, as viewers who support him might turn to streaming services, resulting in a loss of audience for local TV [4]. - Sinclair and Nexstar experienced a decline in ad revenue, with Sinclair's revenue falling by 6% and Nexstar's by 9% in the second quarter, as viewers continue to migrate away from traditional TV [5]. Group 3: Industry Dynamics - Sinclair and Nexstar have gained significant power through consolidation, with Sinclair owning or operating 185 stations and 646 channels, including 40 ABC affiliates, while Nexstar has about 30 ABC affiliates among its 201 stations [11]. - The consolidation has provided these broadcasters with leverage to negotiate better terms and influence ABC's programming, especially in light of perceived biases in late-night TV [12][18]. Group 4: Political Influence - Both Sinclair and Nexstar have conservative-leaning ownership, which may influence their decision to boycott Kimmel's show, reflecting a broader trend of local broadcasters seeking more power in their relationships with networks [16][18]. - Sinclair has made demands for Kimmel's show to return, including an apology to Charlie Kirk's family, indicating a desire to correct perceived biases in late-night programming [17]. Group 5: Late-Night TV Landscape - The late-night TV format is under pressure from both political influences and a challenging business model, with CBS recently canceling Stephen Colbert's show due to financial losses [18]. - Analysts suggest that the decision to deplatform Kimmel aligns with a broader trend of declining relevance for late-night TV, which is seen as less culturally impactful than before [19].

"Nexstar Media Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: NXST), today announced that the company's owned and partner television stations affiliated with the The statement further added:"We made a decision last week to preempt 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' following what ABC referred to as Mr. Kimmel's 'ill-timed and insensitive' comments at a critical time in our national discourse. We stand by that decision pending assurance that all parties are committed to fostering an environment of respectful, constructive dialogue in the markets ...

ToplineNexstar, which owns dozens of ABC stations, said it will not air “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” when the late-night show returns to the network Tuesday, joining Sinclair Broadcast Group in boycotting the show amid controversy over the host’s comments critical of Republicans and Donald Trump following the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. ABC announced on Monday Kimmel would return to the air Tuesday night.Disney ...