Sinclair, Nexstar keep Jimmy Kimmel off dozens of local ABC stations, replacing late-night show with local news
Sinclair Broadcast Group and Nexstar Media Group are continuing to preempt “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on 66 ABC affiliates, replacing the late-night program with expanded local news — a move that spotlights station owners’ control over local schedules.
Key takeaways
- 66 ABC affiliates: Sinclair and Nexstar will not air Jimmy Kimmel Live! on a combined 66 stations, opting for local news instead — per the Nexstar press release and coverage from Axios.
- Reason cited: Both companies described Kimmel’s remarks as “ill-timed and insensitive,” saying local stations will seek programming that fosters respectful community dialogue (Axios).
- Where to watch: Disney and ABC restored Kimmel nationally and the show remains on Disney-owned streaming platforms for viewers in markets where local affiliates preempt it (USA Today).
Main story
Background: What happened and why
Jimmy Kimmel made comments that prompted public backlash and a short suspension by ABC and Disney. After an internal review, Disney restored the host to the national late-night lineup. Sinclair and Nexstar — two of the largest station groups — chose to continue preemptions on many Local ABC affiliates, saying they will air local news in the late-night slot instead (Nexstar press release; USA Today).
Why Sinclair and Nexstar say they preempted Kimmel
Both companies framed the decision around local responsibility and community standards. Sinclair announced it would “be preempting Jimmy Kimmel Live across our ABC affiliate stations and replacing it with news programming,” while Nexstar said it will hold the preemption in place unless it receives assurances that programming will support “respectful, constructive dialogue” in affected markets (Nexstar press release; Axios).
Which stations and how many viewers are affected
Combined, 66 ABC affiliates owned or operated by Sinclair and Nexstar will not carry Jimmy Kimmel Live! That total spans mid-size and larger markets; the full list appears in Nexstar’s public notice and in national reporting (Nexstar press release; USA Today).
How viewers can watch the show
Where local ABC affiliates preempt Kimmel, viewers can still access the program through Disney-owned streaming services and platforms that carry ABC’s national feed. Check local station websites and guides for exact scheduling and streaming options (Axios).
Corporate context: Consolidation and power in local media
The dispute highlights the influence of large station owners. Nexstar is pursuing a proposed acquisition of Tegna for over $6 billion, which would further expand its station portfolio. Such consolidation raises questions about how a small number of owners can shape programming decisions across many markets (Axios).
Editorial trade-offs: Local control vs. national programming
Station groups argue that local control lets them better serve community needs and respond to viewer concerns. Critics counter that when few owners control many stations, their choices can significantly influence public discourse. This incident illustrates that networks set national schedules, but local affiliates can override them in their markets (Nexstar press release).
Legal, regulatory and political angles
There is no obvious legal prohibition on stations replacing network programming locally, but the move raises regulatory and political questions about ownership concentration and localism rules. Nexstar’s Tegna deal is subject to FCC review and public comment, where actions like this may factor into regulatory scrutiny (Axios).
Reaction from Disney and ABC
Disney restored Jimmy Kimmel Live! to the national schedule after the brief suspension and kept the show available on Disney-owned streaming platforms. Company statements emphasize the program’s continued national distribution even as some local affiliates decline to carry it (USA Today).
How local news programming is being used
Sinclair and Nexstar say they will fill the late-night slot with local news. That reallocation gives stations space to cover community stories and control tone, but it also reduces the availability of a nationally recognized entertainment program in affected markets (Nexstar press release).
Implications for Las Vegas, Nevada
Local viewers: Las Vegas residents who get ABC through Sinclair- or Nexstar-owned affiliates may see Jimmy Kimmel Live! preempted. Check local station listings and websites to confirm whether your channel is among the 66 stations taking the show off late-night schedules (Nexstar press release).
Where to watch: Use Disney-owned streaming services or national ABC feeds to view the show when local affiliates do not carry it. Some providers also offer on-demand clips and segments (Axios).
Local news and coverage: Moving late-night airtime to local news could increase coverage of city and county government, public safety, and community stories — a potential benefit for viewers who prefer local reporting.
Political, business and advertising effects: Changes in late-night programming can alter audience composition and advertiser strategy, affecting local campaigns and business advertising rates in Las Vegas.
Reporting responsibilities for viewers
Viewers who rely on a Local ABC affiliate should monitor station announcements and subscribe to alerts. Community members who wish to respond can contact local stations, parent companies, and weigh in during regulatory public comment periods. The preemptions are part of a broader debate over media ownership and localism (Nexstar press release).
