COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Jimmy Kimmel’s late night show returned to the airwaves on Tuesday night, but tv viewers in Branch and surrounding areas were unable to watch.
Nexstar, which owns ABC affiliates in Grand Rapids and Lansing decided not to air Jimmy Kimmel Live! despite the late night talk show host being reinstated by Disney and ABC.
In a statement Nexstar says ” We stand by that decision pending assurance that all parties are committed to fostering an environment of respectful, constructive dialogue in the markets we serve. In the meantime, we note that Jimmy Kimmel Live! will be available nationwide on multiple Disney-owned streaming products, while our stations will focus on continuing to produce local news and other programming relevant to their respective markets.”
Kimmel had been off the air since last Wednesday, when he was suspended by ABC following comments he made about the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. In his opening monologue, Kimmel said it wasn’t his intention to make light of Kirk’s killing and he praised Kirk’s wife for forgiving the shooter.
Watched him last night. Excellent monologue. Proud American patriotic message.
Those Lansing and Grand Rapids stations? Haven’t watched them in past seven years. Don’t even recall their call letters.
Their business model is probably funneling losses into tax write-offs.