Sinclair, Nexstar Preempt Jimmy Kimmel Live, Deepening ABC–Affiliate Dispute
Nexstar and Sinclair are refusing to air “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on many ABC affiliates after Disney reinstated the host, preempting the show in roughly a quarter of ABC’s reach and escalating a standoff over network–affiliate standards.
- Major station groups — Nexstar and Sinclair — currently preempt the show on affected ABC affiliates, expanding local programming instead.
- Preemptions remain in place until station groups receive assurances about future on-air conduct or reach terms with ABC.
- Viewers can still access “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” via Disney streaming platforms; the blackouts affect roughly a quarter of ABC’s over‑the‑air reach.
What happened
Two of the largest U.S. television station owners — Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group — have declined to air “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on many ABC‑affiliated stations after Disney/ABC reversed an earlier suspension and returned Kimmel to the show. The move, reported by Los Angeles Times and IMDb News, follows controversy over Kimmel’s on‑air remarks about the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Why station owners can preempt network shows
Station groups that own or operate large numbers of local stations have contractual and operational control over what airs in each market. Nexstar — the nation’s largest local TV company with more than 200 stations — and Sinclair — with roughly 190 stations — can replace network programming with local content when they deem it necessary. That leverage allows owners to act on content they consider objectionable or misaligned with community standards (WSBT-TV background on Nexstar).
What prompted the blackout
Context: The preemptions trace to Kimmel’s remarks about the shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, which critics called “ill‑timed and insensitive.” Political backlash and regulatory attention intensified the dispute, prompting station groups to take action rather than await network decisions (Barrett Media; Los Angeles Times).
Disney/ABC response
Disney, which owns ABC and produces “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” initially suspended Kimmel but later reversed that decision and announced his return. That announcement set up a public clash between network leadership and station groups serving local markets (Axios).
Station group statements and actions
Nexstar issued a statement saying it “made a decision last week to preempt ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’… We stand by that decision pending assurance that all parties are committed to fostering an environment of respectful, constructive dialogue in the markets we serve.” Nexstar noted the program remains available via Disney streaming while its stations expand local programming in the late‑night slot (Los Angeles Times; IMDb News).
“We stand by that decision pending assurance that all parties are committed to fostering an environment of respectful, constructive dialogue.” — Nexstar statement (excerpt)
Sinclair issued a similar notice, announcing it will air expanded news or other locally chosen content in the Kimmel time slot and that talks with ABC are ongoing. Both groups left open the possibility of restoring telecasts if terms are reached (Barrett Media).
How big the blackout is
Industry reporting estimates Nexstar and Sinclair’s actions affect roughly a quarter of ABC’s affiliate reach, translating to millions of viewers without over‑the‑air access to the show in affected markets. Viewers with streaming access via Disney platforms remain able to watch (IMDb News; Los Angeles Times).
Replacement programming and viewer options
Stations that preempted the program are expanding local news or airing other locally produced/syndicated content in the late‑night slot. For viewers, primary alternatives include:
- Streaming: Disney’s platforms continue to carry the program nationwide.
- Cable/satellite: Access ABC feeds from other markets when available.
- Online clips: Highlight segments and social clips remain accessible on network and third‑party sites.
Implications for the Inland Empire
Local impact will depend on whether the regional ABC affiliate is owned or operated by Nexstar or Sinclair. Key local considerations:
- Local viewing: Some over‑the‑air viewers in the Inland Empire could lose access to the nightly broadcast; check your station’s schedule and ownership to confirm (IMDb News; Los Angeles Times).
- Where to watch: Streaming via Disney platforms remains available for households with broadband and subscriptions.
- Local news: Expanded late‑night local newscasts may increase coverage of traffic, public safety, local government and schools — a benefit for viewers seeking local reporting.
- Business impact: Local advertisers tied to late‑night national programming may face audience shifts and need to renegotiate placements; see station economics background at WSBT‑TV.
- Political and civic effects: The dispute fuels broader conversations about media standards, public expectations and local station accountability; community groups and elected officials may engage publicly.
Negotiations and the bigger network–affiliate dispute
The standoff underscores a long‑running tension: networks supply national content while station owners control local air time. In recent years station groups have leveraged scale to negotiate financial terms and to push back on controversial content. The Kimmel situation is a high‑profile example of that dynamic, with potential ripple effects for future programming disputes (Los Angeles Times; Axios).
Regulatory and political pressure
The controversy drew attention from conservative political leaders and regulators, including public comments that increased the stakes for station owners. That broader political pressure contributed to station groups framing their actions as responses to community standards and public concern (Barrett Media).
Ongoing indicators to watch
- Negotiation outcomes: Whether Nexstar and Sinclair reach terms with ABC that lead to restored broadcasts.
- Market spread: How many markets remain affected and whether other station groups follow suit (Los Angeles Times; IMDb News).
- Regulatory actions: Any formal statements or moves from the FCC or elected officials tied to the dispute (Barrett Media).
Sources
Reporting on this story continues to develop as negotiations and station programming decisions change. Local viewers should verify their ABC affiliate ownership and schedules to determine immediate impact.
