Sinclair and Nexstar preempt Jimmy Kimmel Live on ABC affiliates, expand local news instead
Sinclair Broadcast Group and Nexstar Media Group have preempted Jimmy Kimmel Live! on many ABC affiliates, replacing the late-night show with expanded local news or station programming after ABC reinstated Kimmel amid backlash over his comments about Charlie Kirk.
- Major station groups — Sinclair and Nexstar are not airing Jimmy Kimmel Live! on many ABC affiliates they own; see Los Angeles Times and Axios.
- Local programming — Both groups plan expanded local newscasts or other station-produced programming in the late-night slot; reported by Barrett Media and IMDb News.
- Reach impact — Nearly a quarter of ABC’s national affiliate reach will not carry Kimmel’s show due to these preemptions; see IMDb News.
Main story
Background: what sparked the split over local TV programming
The dispute began after comments by Jimmy Kimmel about the assailant in the Charlie Kirk shooting. Kimmel’s remarks prompted a swift backlash from conservative figures and regulators, leading Disney/ABC to briefly suspend the host and then reinstate him to the network lineup, a sequence chronicled by Barrett Media and the Los Angeles Times.
Why local owners can override network plans
Network scheduling decisions do not automatically bind independent local station owners. Sinclair and Nexstar control dozens of ABC affiliates and have the legal discretion to determine what airs on their stations — particularly when they judge content to be too controversial for local market standards. This conflict highlights how local programming choices can create a patchwork of lineups across the country (Los Angeles Times).
What Sinclair and Nexstar said
Nexstar said it removed the show “out of an abundance of caution” and would reconsider “only if all parties commit to respectful, constructive dialogue” (Los Angeles Times; Barrett Media).
Sinclair likewise announced it would preempt the late-night slot on its ABC stations and replace the show with local programming, while saying talks with ABC would continue and the decision could be revisited depending on those discussions (Barrett Media).
Disney’s response and where viewers can still see Kimmel
Disney and ABC reinstated Kimmel to the network schedule and have defended their programming choice, but they cannot force independently owned affiliates to air the show. Disney notes that Jimmy Kimmel Live remains available on Disney-owned streaming platforms for viewers in markets where over‑the‑air affiliates choose not to run the program (Los Angeles Times; IMDb News).
Why local station groups are flexing power now
Media analysts say the standoff fits a broader trend: the balance between national networks and large local station groups is shifting. Companies like Sinclair and Nexstar generate major local advertising revenue and own many stations across markets, giving them leverage over what airs locally. Their actions show national content can be blocked at the local level, creating uneven broadcast availability (Los Angeles Times).
Regulatory pressure has also escalated: FCC Chair Brendan Carr publicly criticized Kimmel’s comments and warned of potential regulatory action, heightening political stakes for station owners facing pressure from local stakeholders (Barrett Media).
What viewers will see instead
In affected markets, Sinclair and Nexstar stations plan to expand local news or air station-produced programming during the late-night slot traditionally occupied by Jimmy Kimmel Live. That may include extended local newscasts, special reports, or community-focused programming. The change will alter late-night lineups and could shift local ad plans tied to that time slot (IMDb News; Barrett Media).
Advertising and affiliate economics
Local advertisers who purchased time around network shows may need to renegotiate if affiliates change schedules. Late-night national spots tied to Kimmel will reach smaller audiences in markets where Sinclair and Nexstar preempt the program, potentially shifting ad dollars to local news or streaming platforms. Media buyers and stations will watch ratings and revenue effects closely (Los Angeles Times).
Implications for Los Angeles, California
- Local programming choices: If KABC follows Sinclair or Nexstar’s lead, Los Angeles viewers could see expanded local news or special programming instead of Jimmy Kimmel Live (Los Angeles Times).
- Newsroom impact: Extended late-night newscasts may require additional staffing or schedule shifts, producing deeper local coverage but also straining budgets (Barrett Media).
- Advertising effects: Local advertisers may gain targeted audiences or lose broader reach depending on how buys are adjusted; media buyers will track rating shifts (IMDb News).
- Access and equity: Streaming access preserves the show for many viewers, but households relying on over‑the‑air TV — often lower-income or older viewers — could lose easy access, raising equity concerns (IMDb News).
Ongoing negotiations and what to watch next
Sinclair and Nexstar say talks with ABC are ongoing and left open the possibility of returning the show if agreements address their concerns about community standards and respectful dialogue. Media watchdogs and industry analysts will watch for any deal language that changes how networks and affiliates handle controversial content (Barrett Media; Axios).
Practical note: Los Angeles viewers should check local listings and station websites to confirm what will air in the late-night slot; for those seeking the show, streaming options from Disney remain available (Los Angeles Times; USA Today).
