Their comments highlight the influence local TV station owners have on national broadcasters such as Disney-owned ABC. Nexstar Media GroupNexstar Media Group, based in Irving, Texas, operates 28 ABC affiliates. Sinclair Broadcast GroupSinclair Broadcast Group, based in Hunt Valley, Maryland, operates 38 local ABC affiliates. Sinclair said its ABC stations will air a tribute to Kirk on Friday in Kimmel's time slot. Sinclair owns, operates or provides services to 178 TV stations in 81 markets affiliated with all major broadcast networks and owns Tennis Channel.