Sinclair and Nexstar Pull “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” from 66 ABC Stations as Networks, Affiliates Clash
Sinclair Broadcast Group and Nexstar Media Group have preempted “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” across 66 ABC affiliates, citing Jimmy Kimmel’s comments about Charlie Kirk’s shooting; affected stations will air local programming while talks with ABC/Disney continue.
- Broad preemption: Companies announced the late-night show will not air on a combined 66 ABC affiliates — listed as Sinclair (38) and Nexstar (33).
- Local replacement: Stations say they will run expanded local news or alternative programming and may keep the preemption indefinitely while evaluating next steps.
- Network vs. affiliates: ABC/Disney reinstated Kimmel and the show remains on Disney streaming platforms, but affiliates stress local community standards and are negotiating with the network.
How the preemption unfolded
Local affiliates legally may preempt network programming, but coordinated preemptions over a network personality are uncommon. Late-week statements from both station groups announced that certain ABC stations they own would not air “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, replacing it with local news or other programming they say better fits their audiences.
Company statements and reporting: (Sources: Nexstar statement; CBS News reporting)
Stated reasons and company language
Both Nexstar and Sinclair described Jimmy Kimmel’s remarks about the shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk as “ill-timed and insensitive.” Nexstar framed the action as protecting “respectful, constructive dialogue” in local markets and said preemptions will continue “pending assurance” about tone and context.
“We will monitor programming and may restore the show if assurances about tone and context are given,” the companies said in public statements.
(Sources: CBS News reporting; Nexstar statement)
Scope and viewer impact
Together, Sinclair and Nexstar operate roughly one-quarter of ABC affiliates nationwide. The move affects over-the-air viewers who rely on local ABC stations; in many large markets, antenna viewers will no longer receive the late-night program on their local channel. Disney has directed viewers to streaming options where the show remains available.
(Sources: CBS News reporting; Company statement clip)
Industry context: ownership, regulation and timing
The dispute comes as both companies pursue or oversee large-scale transactions and growth. Nexstar has a pending $6.2 billion bid to acquire Tegna that remains under FCC review, and Sinclair has continued acquisition activity. Observers say pending deals and affiliate-network relationships complicate negotiations about programming and editorial control.
(Context sources: CBS News reporting; Nexstar statement; YouTube discussion)
Negotiations and next steps
Nexstar and Sinclair say they are in talks with ABC/Disney and will evaluate whether to restore the show after receiving assurances about tone and context. ABC and Disney reinstated Kimmel after a brief suspension and continue to make the program available on Disney streaming platforms.
Possible outcomes: industry watchers expect either a quiet private resolution or a prolonged standoff if parties treat the dispute as part of a broader debate about editorial standards and local control.
(Sources: Nexstar statement; Axios coverage; CBS News reporting)
Alternative viewing and what viewers should know
- Over-the-air: Affected markets will not show the late-night program on local ABC affiliates while preemptions remain in place.
- Cable/satellite: Carriage deals vary; some pay-TV subscribers may still receive ABC programming depending on agreements.
- Streaming: Disney offers streaming access to the show for broadband viewers.
- Local programming: Stations say they will air expanded news or community-focused shows in the Kimmel time slot.
(Sources: CBS News reporting; Axios coverage; Nexstar statement)
Why this matters beyond late night
The preemption underscores the influence local station groups hold over programming in their markets and shows how politically charged commentary can prompt rapid responses from owners who answer to local audiences and advertisers. Analysts note the move highlights friction that can arise between national networks and affiliates when content becomes contested.
(Sources: CBS News reporting; Columbia Tribune local angle)
Reporting on the Charlie Kirk comments
Company statements cite Jimmy Kimmel’s remarks about the shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk as the catalyst. Nexstar characterized the comments as inconsistent with the tone it expects for broadcasts in its communities and emphasized protecting “respectful, constructive dialogue.” Neither Nexstar nor Sinclair published full text of their objections, focusing instead on community impact.
(Sources: CBS News reporting; USA Today reporting)
Implications for The High Desert, California
Economic impact: Local TV ad markets may shift in the short term as stations offer additional late-night ad inventory to local advertisers while national late-night buys may adjust.
Political consequences: The preemption—centered on remarks tied to a conservative activist—may provoke local political debate, with some calling it censorship and others praising stations for protecting civility.
Social and cultural effects: Over-the-air viewers without broadband may lose access to a familiar entertainment option; local news expansion could offer more community information but also change viewing patterns.
Practical advice for High Desert residents: check cable/satellite carriage, use Disney/ABC streaming to access the show, or tune to local affiliates for expanded news coverage and new local ad opportunities.
(Sources: Nexstar statement; CBS News reporting; Axios coverage)
Sources and further reading
- Nexstar Media Group statement
- CBS News reporting
- Axios coverage
- USA Today reporting
- Columbia Tribune local angle
- Company/statement clip and coverage
For continued updates, monitor company releases and major outlets linked above for statements from Nexstar, Sinclair, ABC and Disney as negotiations develop.
