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Kirk, Charlie

Local TV Station Owners Speak Out Against Jimmy Kimmel, Exposing Influence on National Broadcasters

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The owners of two ABC affiliate companies, Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group, have spoken out against late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel, leading to his suspension. This move highlights the significant influence local TV station owners have on national broadcasters like Disney-owned ABC. The controversy has shed light on the complex web of companies involved in bringing television shows to American audiences and the growing consolidation in the industry.

Key Takeaways:

  • Nexstar Media Group operates 28 ABC affiliates and plans to pull Kimmel's show starting Wednesday, citing Kimmel's comments about conservative activist Charlie Kirk's death as "offensive and insensitive."
  • Sinclair Broadcast Group, which operates 38 local ABC affiliates, called on Kimmel to apologize to Kirk's family and make a "meaningful personal donation" to Turning Point USA, a conservative organization.
  • Both Nexstar and Sinclair have a reputation for a conservative viewpoint in their broadcasts and have been involved in controversies in the past, including a 2018 scandal where Sinclair's anchors were ordered to read identical statements decrying "irresponsible, one-sided news stories."
  • The suspension of Kimmel's show has sparked concerns about censorship and free speech, with some advocates pointing to the powerful voices involved in the decision, including Disney CEO Bob Iger and FCC Chair Brendan Carr.
  • The controversy has also highlighted the growing consolidation in the media industry, with Nexstar announcing a $6.2 billion deal to buy TEGNA Inc., which owns 64 other TV stations.

Statistics:

  • Nexstar Media Group operates 28 ABC affiliates and has a presence in 116 U.S. markets.
  • Sinclair Broadcast Group operates 38 local ABC affiliates and has a presence in 81 markets affiliated with all major broadcast networks.
  • The proposed deal between Nexstar Media Group and TEGNA Inc. would give the combined company ownership or partnerships with over 200 stations in 116 U.S. markets.

Sources:

  • [Mae Anderson and Matt Sedensky, "ABC affiliate owners speak out against Jimmy Kimmel amid suspension over comments about conservative activist's death"]()
  • [Nexstar Media Group, "About Us"]
  • [Sinclair Broadcast Group, "About Us"]
  • [The Hill, "The Hill"]

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