When “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” returns to ABC on Tuesday, viewers tuning into Sinclair Broadcasting’s ABC affiliate stations will find news programming instead of the late-night talk show. Sinclair, which owns or operates 178 television stations across 81 markets, including 30 ABC affiliates, has decided to preempt the show as discussions with ABC continue regarding its future on their airwaves.
The decision stems from controversy surrounding remarks made by host Jimmy Kimmel about the assassin of Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative figure and founder of Turning Point USA. Sinclair pulled the show from its stations last Wednesday, citing the comments as inappropriate and deeply insensitive during a critical time for the nation. The broadcaster emphasized its commitment to fostering respectful and constructive dialogue in communities, viewing Kimmel’s remarks as a violation of that principle.
Sinclair’s move reflects broader tensions with ABC, as the company has called for stronger regulatory oversight from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to address the influence of major national networks over local broadcasters. The broadcaster argues that networks like ABC wield significant control, which can conflict with the values and priorities of local stations serving diverse communities.
While ABC responded to the controversy by indefinitely suspending Kimmel, Sinclair deemed the action insufficient. The company urged the host to issue a public apology and make a substantial personal donation to the Kirk family and Turning Point USA as a gesture of accountability. However, no such apology or donation has been reported, and Sinclair’s decision to replace “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” with news programming signals a firm stance against reinstating the show without resolution.
The preemption affects millions of viewers across Sinclair’s ABC affiliates, which span markets from large cities to smaller communities. The replacement news programming will focus on local and national stories, aiming to provide content that aligns with Sinclair’s mission to educate and engage audiences constructively. While discussions with ABC are ongoing, Sinclair has not specified a timeline for when or if “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” might return to its stations.
This development highlights the growing friction between local broadcasters and national networks over content and editorial control. For now, viewers in Sinclair markets will need to seek alternative ways to watch Kimmel’s show, such as streaming platforms, while the broadcaster prioritizes news over late-night entertainment. The situation remains fluid as both sides navigate the fallout from the controversy and its implications for the future of the program.
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