Sinclair continues Kimmel blackout — ABC affiliates won’t air Jimmy Kimmel Live! as talks with network continue
Sinclair Broadcast Group says it will continue preempting Jimmy Kimmel Live! on its ABC affiliates, demanding an apology, donations and accountability from ABC and Kimmel before considering reinstatement as negotiations with the network remain ongoing.
- Sinclair will keep “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” off its ABC stations and replace the slot with local news or tribute programming (TMZ, Gayety, Business Insider).
- The move follows ABC’s suspension of the show after Kimmel’s remarks about the alleged killer of Charlie Kirk (TMZ, Business Insider).
- Sinclair says talks with ABC are ongoing but insists on specific, non-negotiable conditions before restoring the late-night program (TMZ).
Background: why the suspension began
ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! after host Jimmy Kimmel made comments about the alleged murderer of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. The remarks produced rapid public backlash and prompted an internal review at ABC, which temporarily halted the show while the network investigated. Reporting on the initial suspension appeared in outlets including TMZ and Business Insider.
Sinclair’s position and demands
Sinclair — owner of many ABC affiliate stations nationwide — has publicly stated it will not reinstate the program on its stations until three conditions are met. The company describes these as non-negotiable.
- Direct apology: A formal apology from Jimmy Kimmel to Charlie Kirk’s family (Gayety).
- Financial restitution: A substantial donation to Kirk’s family and to Turning Point USA (Gayety, Business Insider).
- Accountability measures: Proof that ABC will enforce professionalism and standards in its programming moving forward (Business Insider).
Sinclair calls these conditions necessary before any affiliate-level reinstatement, and says discussions with ABC are continuing without a public timeline (TMZ).
Programming changes on Sinclair and other affiliates
In the late-night slot normally filled by Kimmel, many Sinclair stations have aired expanded local news and, in some markets, tribute specials focused on Charlie Kirk. Nexstar and other large station owners have taken similar approaches, saying preemptions will continue “for the foreseeable future,” which leaves millions of viewers without over-the-air access to ABC’s late-night schedule even though the network has resumed the show (TMZ, Business Insider, Gayety).
Free speech, censorship and industry reaction
The decision has ignited debate across media and political circles about free expression, corporate accountability and editorial influence. Creative labor groups, including the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA, criticized the preemptions as a threat to free expression and artistic independence, warning that cutting distribution harms writers and performers. Conversely, conservative commentators praised Sinclair’s demands as enforcing accountability (Gayety, Business Insider).
Political figures have also weighed in: California Gov. Gavin Newsom called the actions “coordinated censorship,” while former President Barack Obama warned against regulatory threats that could normalize incentives to silence journalists and commentators (Gayety).
Regulatory context and reported pressure
Coverage has noted alleged involvement or scrutiny from the Federal Communications Commission. Initial preemptions by major station owners occurred amid reports of public criticism from FCC leadership; the exact role regulators played remains part of the broader debate as outlets continue to report on the timeline (TMZ, Business Insider).
Ongoing negotiations and uncertainty
Sinclair says talks with ABC are ongoing but has offered no timeline or publicly accepted terms. Although ABC and Disney have resumed Jimmy Kimmel Live! network-wide, independently owned affiliates retain the right to preempt network programming, illustrating how affiliate relationships can produce a patchwork of access for viewers (TMZ, Business Insider).
Why this matters for viewers and local stations
- Access to programming: Millions who rely on Sinclair or Nexstar affiliates will not see Kimmel’s show on their local channel despite ABC’s national resumption (TMZ).
- Local news priorities: Sinclair’s replacements expand local content but raise questions about editorial framing and political influence (Gayety, Business Insider).
- Industry precedent: The standoff could set a precedent for station-owner demands tied to controversies involving national hosts (Business Insider).
Implications for Sonoma, California
Local viewers in Sonoma County may be affected if their ABC affiliate is owned by Sinclair or Nexstar. Households relying on over-the-air signals or standard cable packages could find late-night programming altered. Sinclair’s replacement programming could provide more community reporting but may also shape local discourse depending on editorial choices (TMZ, Business Insider).
Practical steps: Sonoma residents are advised to check streaming options, network apps, or cable/satellite listings and monitor statements from local ABC affiliates for schedule updates (TMZ).
Reporting sources and further reading
- TMZ: Sinclair not airing “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on ABC affiliate stations — https://www.tmz.com/2025/09/22/sinclair-not-airing-jimmy-kimmel-abc-affiliate-stations/
- Gayety: Sinclair pulls “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and frames it as a free speech issue — https://gayety.com/sinclair-pulls-jimmy-kimmel-live-free-speech
- Business Insider: Sinclair Broadcasting outlines demands for Kimmel before reinstatement — https://www.businessinsider.com/sinclair-broadcasting-jimmy-kimmel-demands-2025-9
What to watch next
The story is developing. Sinclair and ABC remain in discussions and have not made a public agreement. Local viewers across Sonoma and the U.S. should monitor statements from their ABC affiliates and ABC/Disney for any change in programming or affiliate agreements. For now, millions may still lack local broadcast access to Jimmy Kimmel Live! while this standoff continues.
