Sinclair, Nexstar Continue to Preempt Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Replacing Late-Night with Local News Amid Charlie Kirk Controversy
Sinclair Broadcast Group and Nexstar Media Group are preempting Jimmy Kimmel Live! on 66 combined ABC affiliates, replacing the late-night show with expanded local news after Kimmel’s remarks about Charlie Kirk — a move sparking debate over station autonomy and standards.
- Scope: Sinclair and Nexstar are preempting Jimmy Kimmel Live! on a combined 66 ABC affiliates (Sinclair: 38; Nexstar: 33). Sources: CBS News, Nexstar official release, Axios.
- Replacement programming: Affected stations are airing expanded local newscasts or special reports during the 11:35 p.m. ET slot; some stream the network show online instead. Reporting example: The Oklahoman, CBS News.
- Where to watch: Disney/ABC say the show has returned at the network level and is available via Disney streaming platforms such as Hulu/ABC.com, but Sinclair and Nexstar keep it off affected local broadcast channels.
Why stations are pulling the show
What began as network discipline by ABC — a brief suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! after comments about the shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk — turned into a wider standoff. ABC reinstated the program after about a week; nevertheless, station groups said that was insufficient.
Sinclair issued a notice: “Beginning Tuesday night, Sinclair will be preempting Jimmy Kimmel Live across our ABC affiliate stations and replacing it with news programming. Discussions with ABC are ongoing as we evaluate the show’s potential return.” Sinclair statement clip.
Nexstar cited ABC’s characterization of Kimmel’s comments as “ill-timed and insensitive” and said it will continue the preemption “pending assurance that all parties are committed to fostering an environment of respectful, constructive dialogue in the markets we serve.” Nexstar release.
What viewers are seeing instead
Across affected markets, the 11:35 p.m. ET slot has been filled with:
- Expanded local newscasts with additional regional reporting.
- Special local reports or public-affairs programming chosen by stations.
- Some stations streaming the ABC network show online rather than airing it over-the-air.
Station managers say the shift lets them serve local audiences with locally relevant information on topics such as public safety, weather and community issues. Local-market reporting has already documented these changes in places including Oklahoma. See: The Oklahoman.
How big a deal is this?
Nexstar and Sinclair combined cover roughly a quarter of all ABC affiliates in the U.S. — meaning millions of viewers in affected markets may no longer receive network late-night programming live on their local ABC channel. Nexstar’s 33 ABC stations include mid-size and larger markets; Sinclair’s 38 include several large markets such as KOMO-TV in Seattle. CBS News provides market-level context.
Corporate backdrop and regulatory stakes
Timing is notable: Nexstar is awaiting regulatory review of a proposed >$6 billion acquisition of Tegna that would make it the largest owner of local TV stations. Sinclair continues to pursue growth deals. These consolidation moves draw scrutiny from the Federal Communications Commission and lawmakers concerned about media consolidation and owner influence over local programming choices. See reporting: CBS News, video coverage.
Network response and where to watch Kimmel
Disney and ABC say Jimmy Kimmel Live! is back on the network schedule and available through Disney-run streaming platforms such as Hulu or on ABC.com. That network-level availability, however, does not change Sinclair and Nexstar’s local broadcast choices — viewers without streaming access may be unable to watch the show over-the-air. Reference: CBS News, Axios.
Political and community reactions
Responses span the political spectrum. Supporters frame the preemptions as a defense of local standards and community decency; critics call the moves censorship or corporate overreach that fragments national broadcasts and pushes viewers toward paid streaming.
“Pending assurance that all parties are committed to fostering an environment of respectful, constructive dialogue,” — Nexstar on monitoring the show’s return. Nexstar release
Implications for Redding, California
Local access and choices: Redding viewers who rely on over-the-air ABC affiliates may find Jimmy Kimmel Live! replaced by expanded local news at 11:35 p.m., meaning households without streaming subscriptions could lose easy access to the network late-night show.
Emphasis on local news: The change can produce more reporting on regional fires, water issues and local politics — coverage some residents may welcome.
Political and cultural signals: In conservative-leaning areas, the preemption may be read as a stand for community standards; others may view it as excessive interference in network programming.
Access and costs: Continued preemptions shift some viewers to streaming services such as Hulu or ABC.com, which can pose barriers to older or lower-income households. See reporting: CBS News.
Local politics and oversight: The dispute highlights how corporate consolidation affects local editorial choices; Redding officials and voters may seek clarity on preemption policies and community standards.
What to watch next
Station groups say discussions with ABC are ongoing and decisions will be revisited. Nexstar said it will monitor the show’s return but offered no timeline; Sinclair said it will evaluate potential return as talks continue. For now, expect local news or alternate programming in the late-night ABC timeslot until affiliates change course. Sources: Nexstar release, video statement/coverage, CBS News.
Sources and further reading
- CBS News: “Nexstar, Sinclair preempt Jimmy Kimmel Live! after comments about Charlie Kirk”
- Nexstar official release: “Nexstar ABC affiliates to preempt Jimmy Kimmel Live!”
- Axios: “Jimmy Kimmel returns to ABC, but Sinclair, Nexstar continue preemptions”
- The Oklahoman: Local market reporting on preemption and replacement programming
- Video statement/coverage (Sinclair/Nexstar comments)
Reporting by Times Media Service
