Here is the full memo announcing the decision:
TO: Fellow Members of the Nexstar Nation
CC: Dennis Thatcher
FR: Perry A. Sook, Michael Biard
RE: Jimmy Kimmel Live!
DA: 9/26/2025
As you know, Jimmy Kimmel Live! will return to our ABC stations this evening. This decision follows constructive discussions with Disney/ABC management over the past few days. We called for cooler heads to prevail during this sensitive time in our national political discourse, and we believe now is the right moment to bring the show back to our stations.
We appreciate your patience as this unfolded. We recognize that our decision created difficult, and at times distressing, circumstances for many of you—particularly at ABC affiliates. Some of you faced hostile and even threatening reactions. We regret that, but we also know standing by principle requires fortitude and a willingness to take the harder path. As FCC licensees, we take seriously our duty to program in the public interest, even when not everyone agrees.
We also want to address questions raised about the First Amendment. No one has an unlimited right to say whatever they want on a talk show. Every network and station has made tough calls when on-air conduct crosses a line. That isn’t a violation of the First Amendment — it’s an exercise of editorial responsibility and stewardship of the public airwaves. As we said in our press release, Nexstar remains committed to protecting the First Amendment, delivering fact-based and unbiased news, and broadcasting content that best serves our communities. These principles guided us throughout this process and will continue to do so.
Thank you again for your support and resilience. We wish you a great weekend.
