Sinclair Considers Jimmy Kimmel Return as Broadcasters Reinstate Shows

Jimmy Kimmel Live! is returning to ABC after a brief suspension. The network reinstated the show for Tuesday, September 23. However, a major affiliate group is blocking the show from airing.

Sinclair Broadcast Group announced it will preempt the program. It will replace the talk show with local news programming. This decision creates a fragmented viewing experience across the country.

Sinclair’s Defiance Signals Ongoing Dispute with ABC

Sinclair operates 38 ABC affiliate stations nationwide. Its statement confirmed the immediate preemption. The group cited ongoing evaluations about the show’s potential return.

This move highlights a significant rift between the network and its affiliates. According to Reuters, such public disputes over content are rare. They underscore the tension surrounding the host’s recent controversial comments.

The initial suspension followed commentary made by Kimmel. ABC called the remarks “ill-timed and hence insensitive.” The reinstatement was intended to draw a line under the incident.

Industry Waits for Nexstar’s Decision on Late-Night Show

All attention now turns to the Nexstar Media Group. It is another major owner of ABC affiliate stations. Nexstar was the first to preempt the show following the original controversy.

The company has not issued a new statement since ABC’s reinstatement. Its prior announcement said it strongly objected to Kimmel’s comments. It planned to preempt the show for the foreseeable future.

Pressure is mounting from some political commentators for Nexstar to continue the blackout. This situation puts affiliate stations in a difficult position. They must balance network partnerships with their local audience’s expectations.

The outcome could influence how networks and affiliates handle future controversies. It tests the boundaries of their relationships. For now, many viewers will find their regular programming replaced.

The standoff over Jimmy Kimmel Live! reveals deep fractures in broadcast television. The preemption by major affiliates like Sinclair demonstrates that the controversy is far from over. This situation continues to evolve.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: Why was Jimmy Kimmel suspended by ABC?

ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel following comments he made on his show. The network described these comments as ill-timed and insensitive. The suspension lasted for one week.

Q2: What does “preempt” mean in television?

Preemption means a local station replaces a network program with its own content. In this case, Sinclair is replacing Jimmy Kimmel Live! with its local news broadcast. Viewers in those markets will not see the talk show.

Q3: How many stations are affected by Sinclair’s decision?

Sinclair Broadcast Group operates 38 ABC affiliate stations across the United States. Viewers in all of these markets will be affected. They will see news programming instead of Jimmy Kimmel Live!.

Q4: Has Nexstar made a decision after ABC’s reinstatement?

As of now, Nexstar Media Group has not announced a new decision. The company had previously preempted the show. An update is expected soon.

Q5: Can ABC force affiliates to air Jimmy Kimmel Live!?

Affiliate agreements typically give stations some flexibility over programming. While networks provide the content, affiliates can sometimes preempt it for matters of public interest or other reasons. This is a contractual gray area.