Nexstar, owner of WTNH in New Haven, was instrumental in the decision late Wednesday to pull Jimmy Kimmel off the air “indefinitely.” The move comes after Kimmel made remarks during his Monday monologue deemed offensive by the head of Federal Communications Commission, an appointee of President Trump. Kimmel’s comments were related to the fatal shooting last week of Charlie Kirk.
Nexstar announced it would pull Kimmel off the air on the thrity-two ABC affiliated stations it owns nationwide, including WTNH. The network reacted to the Nexstar decision by yanking Kimmel on its own.
As you know, Nexstar wants to acquire Tegna(WTIC-TV), a merger that would require an ownership rule change and FCC approval. Some observers suggest the decision to move against Kimmel is meant the way for that merger by placating the Trump administration. The Laurel has been unable to independently confirm that speculation.
