ust as Jimmy Kimmel’s show was set to return to the air following a brief but controversial suspension, major TV station groups across the country have refused to carry the broadcast, a stunning act of defiance that has plunged ABC into a new and complex power struggle. The decision by two of the nation’s largest affiliate owners to preempt the program has effectively put the late-night host back in a state of indefinite limbo for a quarter of his potential audience.
Sinclair Broadcast Group and Nexstar Media Group, which collectively operate over 70 ABC affiliates in major markets like Washington, D.C., Seattle, and Nashville, announced they would not air the show despite Disney’s decision to reinstate it. Both companies had initially pulled the show last week after Kimmel’s monologue about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk was deemed “ill-timed and insensitive.”
In a statement, Nexstar said it stands by its decision to preempt the show, “pending assurance that all parties are committed to fostering an environment of respectful, constructive dialogue.” Sinclair, for its part, has been even more explicit in its demands, calling for Kimmel to issue a public apology to the Kirk family and make a “meaningful personal donation” to their organization. Sinclair is replacing the show with local news and other programming.
The affiliate rebellion presents a new and significant challenge for ABC and its parent company, Disney. While ABC can distribute the show through its own streaming platforms, the refusal by these station groups means the show will lose millions of viewers in key markets, a blow to its ratings and ad revenue. The move also serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing power struggle between national networks and their local partners. For years, the networks have held most of the leverage, but with the rise of media consolidation, these large affiliate groups have found new power to push back on programming they deem controversial or not in line with their local values.
The conflict has also become a political flashpoint. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, who had previously warned of regulatory action against ABC, praised the affiliates’ decision to push back on what they saw as inappropriate content. The clash over Kimmel’s future is no longer just about a television show; it has become a central battle in a broader war over free speech, political pressure, and the very future of the American media landscape.