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Outrage surged on Sept 26, 2025 as Nexstar announced it will stop preempting Jimmy Kimmel Live!, returning the show to its ABC affiliates that evening. The reversal follows Sinclair’s similar move and months of friction over Kimmel’s Sept. 17 suspension, FCC scrutiny and a high-stakes Nexstar-Tegna merger. The concrete new fact: Nexstar said in a statement it would restore the program beginning Sept. 26, after “constructive” talks with Disney executives. This matters now because local station power and consolidation are the real winners – and viewers may see programming shifts immediately. How will your local lineup change next week?
What Nexstar’s Sept 26 reversal means for late night viewers and local stations
- Nexstar ended its preemption on Sept 26, 2025, restoring Jimmy Kimmel Live! to its ABC affiliates.
- Sinclair also reversed course this week; both had pulled the show on Sept 17.
- ABC filled early slots with repeats or Celebrity Family Feud during the suspension.
- Local viewers could see the show return immediately; expect affiliate-level scheduling updates.
This change affects viewers in dozens of local markets immediately.
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The timing matters because the reversal arrives amid a proposed $6 billion Nexstar-Tegna deal that would reshape local TV reach this year. Short sentence for scan. Broadcasters now signal greater leverage over network programming choices. For viewers, this could mean more affiliate discretion and more preemption threats during political flashpoints. For advertisers and ABC, the flip-flop raises new contractual and ratings questions. What happens to affiliate demands if a future controversy ignites?
Which public statements are shaping the debate and who’s applauding Sept 26
Nexstar framed its decision as the product of “constructive” conversations with Disney executives, saying it will return the show that night. Short sentence for scan. FCC chair Brendan Carr publicly praised stations that preempted the show, and talent and unions criticized the initial suspension. Late-night peers voiced support for Kimmel’s return. Who speaks next will shape whether this becomes a one-off or a new standoff over local control.
Data points that show this is about consolidation, not just comedy
A clear pattern emerges: station groups use preemption power when headlines spike. Short sentence for scan. Local ownership concentration and pending mergers give affiliates leverage ABC must manage carefully.
The three numbers that show how Kimmel’s return reshapes broadcast power
| KPI | Value + Unit | Change/Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Nexstar ABC stations | 32 stations | Reinstated show after nine-day pause |
| Sinclair ABC affiliates | 38 affiliates | Also ended preemptions this week |
| Nexstar-Tegna household reach | 80% of households | would exceed FCC cap if merger approved |
What this shift could mean for your local station and 2025 politics
Expect more last-minute schedule shifts and affiliate bargaining. Short sentence for scan. If consolidation proceeds, networks may face repeated local pushback during controversies. Will viewers tolerate more preemptions, or will national outrage force clearer rules on affiliate discretion?
Sources
- https://people.com/nexstar-allows-jimmy-kimmel-back-on-air-ends-boycott-late-night-show-11819870
- https://deadline.com/2025/09/jimmy-kimmel-live-re-run-replaced-celebrity-family-feud-1236549529/
- https://people.com/jimmy-kimmel-jokes-stay-on-move-fcc-following-suspension-11819195
Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.