Sinclair and Nexstar pull Jimmy Kimmel Live! from more than 60 ABC affiliates, replacing late night with local news
Cockeysville, Maryland (Times Media Service) — More than 60 ABC affiliates owned by Sinclair Broadcast Group and Nexstar Media Group have preempted Jimmy Kimmel Live!, replacing the late‑night show with expanded local news after controversial comments about conservative activist Charlie Kirk prompted immediate action.
- Over 60 ABC affiliates run by Sinclair and Nexstar are not airing Jimmy Kimmel Live! while discussions continue with ABC and Disney; stations cite concerns about the host’s remarks and community standards. Source: CBS News, Axios.
- Combined footprint—Sinclair operates 38 ABC affiliates and Nexstar 33—affecting roughly a quarter of ABC’s local reach, including major markets like Seattle and Nashville. Reporting: local reporting, CBS News.
- Replacement programming—Affected stations are running expanded local newscasts and other locally chosen content; viewers can still stream the show via Disney platforms. See Axios and related statements: Nexstar’s affiliate announcement.
What happened and who is involved
ABC and parent company Disney announced the return of Jimmy Kimmel Live! to the network’s late‑night lineup. Within hours, affiliates owned by Sinclair Broadcast Group and Nexstar Media Group said they would not carry the program on their broadcast channels.
Nexstar posted an official announcement that its ABC stations would “preempt Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely,” beginning the night the show returned; the company said it acted to uphold respectful dialogue in local markets. See the Nexstar statement and coverage from CBS News.
“We will preempt Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely,” Nexstar wrote, and urged “respectful, constructive dialogue in the markets we serve.” — Nexstar
Why the stations acted: Kimmel, Charlie Kirk comments and station reactions
The controversy centers on remarks Jimmy Kimmel made about conservative activist Charlie Kirk following Kirk’s shooting death. Nexstar described those remarks as “ill‑timed and insensitive,” and said they informed its decision to pull the show. Sinclair framed its action as a temporary preemption while it holds discussions with ABC to evaluate the timing and appropriateness of the show’s return.
Both groups emphasized community standards and local viewer concerns; neither has given a timeline for when the preemptions might end. Reporting and statements compiled by CBS News and Axios document the reactions.
Replacement programming and viewing alternatives
Affected stations have substituted Jimmy Kimmel Live! with expanded local newscasts and other locally chosen programming, giving local newsrooms greater control of late‑night airtime and the chance to highlight regional stories.
For viewers in blackout markets: the show remains available on Disney‑owned streaming platforms and other digital outlets — the preemption applies only to the broadcast channels run by these specific affiliate owners. See reporting and clips: CBS News, related clips and statements.
The corporate backdrop: consolidation and regulatory pressure
The preemptions come as both broadcast groups pursue major business moves and face regulatory scrutiny. Nexstar is seeking approval for a $6.2 billion acquisition of Tegna, which would expand its station count if approved by the FCC. Sinclair has also pursued acquisitions that grow its footprint.
Media experts note this episode highlights tension between network programming choices and local station control: affiliates have long held the right to preempt network content, but coordinated action by large owners can ripple across many markets and spark debate about national standards versus local autonomy. Coverage by Axios and CBS News expands on these dynamics.
How stations explain the move to advertisers and viewers
Stations replacing late‑night network content with local programming will likely present the change to advertisers as an opportunity to reach audiences with more regionally relevant storytelling. Press releases and on‑air statements emphasize community standards, respect for victims and families, and programming that serves local tastes.
Nexstar: “We call for respectful, constructive dialogue in the markets we serve.” — Nexstar statement
What media watchers are watching next
Observers will track whether other station groups follow suit, whether ABC and Disney respond with editorial changes or public statements, and whether regulators grow interested given the consolidation underway. The controversy raises questions about the editorial limits of late‑night comedy when national tragedies intersect with partisan figures.
Implications for Sonoma, California
Economic impact: Sonoma County viewers who normally watch ABC late‑night on Sinclair or Nexstar stations will not get Jimmy Kimmel Live! on those channels, shifting some viewership to Disney streaming platforms and potentially altering late‑night ad buys and local station revenue.
Political consequences: In politically moderate Sonoma, the dispute spotlights local broadcasters’ role in civic conversation; some may view the preemptions as protecting community decency, while others may see selective gatekeeping.
Social and cultural effects: Late‑night viewers who follow national comedy may move online, widening gaps between streaming audiences and over‑the‑air viewers—particularly older residents who rely on broadcast TV. Local news in the late‑night hour may increase attention to county and city issues.
Practical note: Residents can still watch Jimmy Kimmel Live! through Disney’s streaming services and on‑demand platforms; for over‑the‑air viewing, tune to expanded local newscasts or alternate channels.
Reporting notes and sources
This report draws on station statements and national coverage, including: Nexstar’s affiliate announcement; CBS News; Axios; USA Today coverage; local reporting; and related clips and statements.
If you live in Sonoma and normally watch late‑night network TV on an ABC channel owned by Sinclair or Nexstar, you will need to switch to streaming or other outlets to see Jimmy Kimmel Live! until affiliate owners and ABC reach an agreement or change course.
