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Outrage surges after Sept. 26, 2025, as local broadcasters reversed a near-weeklong blackout of a national late‑night show. The sudden return matters because Nexstar and Sinclair – two of the country’s largest station groups – reinstated “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” across dozens of markets, ending a dispute tied to comments about a high‑profile killing and threats from the FCC chair. Variety and AP report the move restored service to major cities and followed behind‑the‑scenes talks with Disney. How will this reset affect affiliate influence and free‑speech fights in 2025?
What changes for viewers after Sept. 26, 2025 station reversal
- Nexstar resumed airing Friday, restoring local access in 28 markets.
- Sinclair returned the show to its 38 ABC markets on Sept. 26.
- ABC/Disney did not make editorial concessions, per Variety reporting.
- Roughly 25% of affiliates were affected by the temporary blackout.
Why the Sept. 26 reversal matters for viewers and broadcasters today
The timing matters because the blackout overlapped an emotional national moment and FCC threats, raising questions about regulatory leverage and corporate risk. Stations weighed community backlash, advertiser feedback and pending FCC business – including Nexstar’s Tegna acquisition – before reversing course. For viewers, the return restores a routine nightly program in dozens of local markets and ends a patchwork of access that fractured national distribution this week. What does it say about local stations’ power over national programming in 2025?
Which voices are reacting to the Sept. 26 reversal and why
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Major trade and political figures framed the reinstatement as either a retreat from principle or pragmatic damage control. Hollywood unions and free‑speech advocates cheered Disney and ABC; conservative officials and some local station leaders had demanded accountability.
Nexstar said it will resume airing “#JimmyKimmel Live!” on its 32 ABC affiliates after it had preempted the show over the late-night host’s comments about Charlie Kirk’s killer.
"We have had discussions with executives at The Walt Disney Company and appreciate their constructive… pic.twitter.com/BQnkzn1rWe
— Variety (@Variety) September 26, 2025
Variety’s reporting emphasizes that Nexstar and Sinclair cited community standards and internal feedback, while Disney said conversations with Kimmel led to the show’s return; corporate spokespeople declined further comment.
How the ratings, markets and regulator pressure explain the quick about‑face
Data points show the business logic: the blackout left viewers in roughly a quarter of ABC markets without the program, and Kimmel’s return drew record ratings on his reinstatement episode, heightening advertiser attention. Meanwhile, Nexstar’s pending deals with regulators increased the cost of a prolonged standoff. These forces combined to accelerate the reversal.
The numbers that changed the blackout’s impact in Sept. 2025
| Metric | Value + Unit | Change/Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Affected affiliates | ~25% of ABC affiliates | Significant local reach lost temporarily |
| Sinclair markets resumed | 38 markets | Stations reinstated programming Sept. 26 |
| Nexstar affiliates resumed | 28 markets | Nexstar reversed earlier preemption decision |
What Does This Return Mean For Viewers And Broadcasters In 2025?
Expect more cautious station‑network standoffs: affiliates now know boycotts can be costly, and networks know public and advertiser pressure moves quickly. The episode raises a fresh question about the FCC’s role and whether corporate risk will encourage preemptions or quick settlements next time. Will affiliates push harder for formal accountability mechanisms, or will networks tighten control to avoid repeat blackouts?
Sources
- https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/jimmy-kimmel-fully-back-abc-tv-nexstar-sinclair-1236530517/
- https://apnews.com/article/jimmy-kimmel-sinclair-affiliates-40489e9058a609029ebcb2ef894221e9
- https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/26/business/media/sinclair-jimmy-kimmel-boycott.html
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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.