Sinclair to Preempt “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on 39 ABC Affiliates; Replaces Slot with Local News Amid Ongoing Talks
Sinclair Broadcast Group announced it will preempt “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on the 39 ABC affiliates it owns, replacing the late-night show with local news while talks with ABC continue, after controversy over Kimmel’s remarks tied to a recent shooting.
- Sinclair will preempt the returning ABC late-night program and air local news in the timeslot while evaluating the show’s return.
- ABC/Disney cleared Kimmel to return after a review; Sinclair has set conditions and has not agreed to reinstate the program.
- Controversy centers on Kimmel’s on-air comments linking a shooter to the MAGA movement without public evidence, prompting backlash and regulatory attention.
- Local impact could affect viewers, advertisers and newsroom operations in affected markets, including Las Vegas.
What Sinclair announced — and why
Sinclair — one of the nation’s largest local-broadcast groups — told viewers and station partners it will not run the returning late-night program on the 39 ABC affiliates it owns or controls. Instead, the company plans to air alternate news programming during the show’s usual timeslot while it and ABC continue discussions about the show’s future on Sinclair stations. Company officials said, “Discussions with ABC are ongoing as we evaluate the show’s potential return.”
Why now: The move followed widespread backlash after Jimmy Kimmel’s on-air remarks about the assassination of conservative media figure Charlie Kirk, in which he suggested — without citing public evidence — a connection between the shooter and the MAGA movement. The comments prompted criticism from viewers, public officials and the FCC chair, and led to Disney temporarily removing Kimmel’s show from the ABC lineup under pressure from large affiliate owners.
ABC reverses suspension; affiliates push back
After an internal review, Disney — which owns ABC — cleared Jimmy Kimmel Live! to return, saying some remarks were “ill-timed” and “insensitive” and that conversations had taken place with the host. Nevertheless, large affiliate groups retained discretion: in addition to Sinclair, other owners such as Nexstar signaled they would consider preemption, underscoring that affiliates may decline to restore network programming immediately.
Reports indicate Sinclair has demanded a public apology from Kimmel and a donation to the family or foundation associated with Charlie Kirk before it will consider airing the program again.
Audience, industry and regulatory reaction
The suspension and affiliate blackouts quickly became a focal point for debates about free speech, editorial standards and local control in broadcasting. More than 400 entertainment industry figures publicly supported Kimmel and urged restraint, while political critics called for accountability and potential regulatory review. FCC Chair Brendan Carr publicly criticized the remarks, raising the prospect of oversight actions.
Practical effect: Millions of households served by Sinclair-controlled ABC stations may not see Kimmel’s program unless they tune to a non‑Sinclair ABC station, use ABC’s streaming platforms, or find alternate carriage. Viewers should check local listings for the most current scheduling.
Implications for Las Vegas, Nevada
Economic impact: Local advertisers and media buyers in Las Vegas should confirm whether the ABC affiliate in their market will follow Sinclair’s preemption. Schedule changes can affect national late-night buys and local campaigns targeting tourists or late-night audiences.
Production and staffing: If Sinclair-run stations expand local news in the late-night slot, newsrooms could face increased production hours, overtime or hiring needs — a modest local economic effect.
Political and social effects: The dispute may shape local discourse about media responsibility, regulatory scrutiny and campaign messaging. Community trust and viewing habits could shift toward streaming or non‑Sinclair stations in affected markets.
Practical guidance for viewers and advertisers
- Check local listings: Confirm whether your local ABC affiliate will air the network feed or a Sinclair-produced alternate program.
- Streaming: If preempted locally, look for clips or full episodes via ABC’s streaming services or national platforms.
- Advertisers: Contact station reps or media buyers to renegotiate placements if late-night buys are affected.
Ongoing developments to watch
The situation remains fluid. Sinclair and ABC are in talks; Sinclair has not set a timeline for resuming the program and reportedly set conditions for reinstatement. How regulators respond, whether Sinclair’s demands are met, and local affiliate decisions will determine the duration and scope of any blackout.
Source documentation and coverage
Sources compiled from reporting by Times Media Service and other outlets:
- Sinclair says it will not air “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” (Whiskey Riff)
- Reports on affiliates’ preemption and blackout decisions (TMZ)
- Business Insider reporting on Disney’s review, Sinclair’s demands and industry reaction
- Video reports and coverage of the controversy (YouTube)
Note: For confirmation in your market, check station press releases and local listings for the most current schedule updates.
