Sinclair, Nexstar Preempt Jimmy Kimmel Live! on 66 ABC Affiliates, Replacing Late-Night With Local News Programming
Sinclair Broadcast Group and Nexstar Media Group are preempting Jimmy Kimmel Live! on 66 ABC affiliates, replacing the late-night program with expanded local news and other locally produced content while the show remains available on streaming platforms.
Key takeaways
- 66 ABC affiliates preempted: Sinclair and Nexstar will not air Jimmy Kimmel Live! on a combined 66 ABC stations.
- Companies cite comments: Both groups called Kimmel’s remarks “ill-timed and insensitive” and seek assurances on on-air standards.
- Local programming replaces late-night: Affected stations are expanding local news or running other locally produced content in the late-night slot.
- Show remains on streaming: Jimmy Kimmel Live! is still available via Disney+, Hulu and ABC online platforms.
Decision to preempt: what the companies say
Sinclair and Nexstar announced they will not air Jimmy Kimmel Live! on selected ABC affiliates beginning with the next scheduled broadcast. Pending assurance that all parties are committed to fostering an environment of respectful, constructive dialogue in the markets we serve
was cited by Nexstar as its rationale. Sinclair described Kimmel’s remarks as “ill-timed and insensitive” and said it is in talks with ABC while evaluating whether the program could return to its stations.
See the Nexstar press release and reporting from Axios for company statements and context.
How many stations and which markets are affected
The preemption covers 66 ABC affiliate stations owned or operated by Sinclair and Nexstar — more than a quarter of ABC’s local affiliate footprint. Local outlets confirm affiliates in states including Oklahoma, Missouri and North Carolina have replaced the late-night show with local news or alternative programming.
Examples and local reporting are available from USA Today, The Oklahoman, and the Columbia Tribune.
ABC and Disney respond
Disney, ABC’s parent company, lifted Kimmel’s suspension and restored him to hosting duties after a short break. Disney and ABC say the program will continue to air on ABC platforms and remain available on streaming outlets. However, local affiliates retain programming control; Sinclair and Nexstar have elected not to carry the broadcast on their affected stations.
Viewers can stream the show on platforms such as Disney+, Hulu and ABC’s own digital services. See reporting from Axios and the YouTube briefing for additional details.
Reasons cited and what the companies want
Both station groups framed the preemptions as a demand for elevated standards in on-air discourse. Nexstar said it needs “assurance” that programming aligns with “respectful, constructive dialogue” for local communities. Sinclair indicated it may restore the program if conversations with ABC meet its criteria.
Analysts note the move blends moral concern with corporate leverage: large station groups can use preemptions to press networks and to protect local advertiser and viewer relationships. Coverage and commentary appear in Axios and public briefings posted on YouTube.
Programming shifts: local news programming and other options
Affected stations are filling the late-night slot with extended local news, weather updates, investigative reports, or syndicated alternatives. Station executives say local news is “more relevant” to their audiences and allows focus on community issues.
Nexstar’s affiliate memo confirmed the indefinite preemption in those markets; see the Nexstar press release and local coverage such as The Oklahoman.
Market and regulatory context
The standoff occurs amid consolidation in local TV ownership. Nexstar’s pending $6 billion Tegna acquisition, if approved, would make it the nation’s largest local TV owner and is under regulatory review. Sinclair has also pursued expansion. Observers say consolidation increases station owners’ leverage over network programming and gives them tools to press content standards.
Background reporting and analysis are available from Axios and executive briefings on YouTube.
Availability and access for viewers
Despite the blackout affecting over 25% of ABC affiliates, viewers can still access Jimmy Kimmel Live! on streaming platforms: Disney+, Hulu, and ABC.com or ABC apps. Viewers without streaming subscriptions may rely on an unaffected local affiliate, out-of-market feeds, or alternative cable/satellite channels.
See coverage from Axios and the YouTube briefing for guidance on where to stream or find alternate broadcasts.
Implications for Colusa, California
Economic impact: Local stations that reach Colusa County could see short-term changes in advertising patterns. If a Sinclair- or Nexstar-owned affiliate expands local news into the late-night slot, local businesses may gain new advertising opportunities; national late-night advertisers may need to renegotiate placements.
Political consequences: The decision highlights broadcasters’ role in content governance. For moderate audiences in Colusa, it may prompt debate about media ownership, community standards, and the balance between accountability and free expression.
Social effects: Replacing late-night comedy with local news could increase coverage of community issues, government, and public safety important to Colusa residents; conversely, viewers seeking late-night entertainment will need streaming or out-of-market options.
Cultural relevance: The move underscores tensions between national entertainment media and local sensibilities. Reactions in Colusa may vary: some will applaud holding media figures accountable; others may view the move as overreach by corporate owners.
Practical applications for residents: Colusa viewers should check station schedules and station websites to confirm whether their ABC affiliate is affected. To watch the show, check Disney+, Hulu, or ABC online platforms; local advertisers and community groups should monitor late-night scheduling if planning outreach.
Reporting and sources
This article draws on public statements and reporting from national and local outlets plus an executive briefing. Key sources include the Nexstar press release, multiple items from Axios and Axios, local coverage in The Oklahoman, the Columbia Tribune, USA Today, a North Carolina analysis at Carolina Journal, and an executive briefing on YouTube.
Note: All factual details, station counts, and URLs in this article are preserved from the cited sources above.
