Jimmy Kimmel Live’s Return Sparks Blackout in These Cities

Jimmy Kimmel Live! is returning to ABC’s airwaves this week. The network suspended the show last Wednesday following host Jimmy Kimmel’s on-air comments. The remarks concerned the recent passing of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.

The suspension sparked immediate debate and led to significant financial pressure on the network’s parent company, Disney. According to reports from Reuters, the decision to reinstate the show was made after internal discussions between Kimmel and network executives.

Sinclair Broadcasting Group Refuses to Air the Program

Despite ABC’s decision, a major broadcaster is blocking the show’s return in dozens of cities. Sinclair Broadcast Group, which operates numerous local ABC affiliates across the United States, will not air Jimmy Kimmel Live!. Instead, its stations will run local news programming.

Sinclair stated that discussions with ABC are ongoing. The company is still evaluating the show’s potential return to its stations. This move means millions of viewers in key markets will be unable to watch the program on their local ABC channel.

The initial suspension reportedly cost Disney billions in market value. This was due to calls for a boycott from viewers upset with Kimmel’s commentary. The financial impact highlighted the sensitivity of the situation for the media giant.

List of Cities Where Viewers Will Miss the Show

The blackout affects a wide swath of the country. Sinclair owns 294 television stations in 89 markets. Viewers in these areas will need to watch the show through ABC’s streaming app or other providers not owned by Sinclair.

Major cities like Seattle, Washington D.C., and St. Louis are on the list. So are many smaller markets across the South, Midwest, and Pacific Northwest. The full list, compiled from reports by the Associated Press, includes over twenty stations.

This preemption strategy is a powerful statement from Sinclair. It demonstrates the leverage local affiliates hold over national networks. The situation remains fluid as both companies navigate the public fallout.

The return of Jimmy Kimmel Live is marked by this unprecedented blackout. The ongoing Jimmy Kimmel Live suspension by Sinclair affiliates shows the deep divisions in media today. The show’s ratings and audience reach will be closely watched in the coming weeks.

Info at your fingertips

Why was Jimmy Kimmel Live suspended?

ABC suspended the show after Kimmel made comments about commentator Charlie Kirk’s death. The network called the remarks ill-timed and insensitive during a period of national mourning.

Which company is not airing the show?

Sinclair Broadcast Group is preempting Jimmy Kimmel Live on all its ABC affiliate stations. The company is replacing the show with its own local news broadcasts for the time being.

Will the show be available to stream?

Yes. Viewers in affected markets can still watch new episodes on ABC’s website and streaming app. The blackout only applies to the broadcast on local Sinclair-owned channels.

How many cities are affected by the blackout?

The blackout impacts viewers in over 20 major television markets. This includes cities like Seattle, St. Louis, Washington D.C., and Columbus, Ohio.

What was the financial impact of the suspension?

Reports indicate Disney lost over $3 billion in market value following the suspension. This was linked to boycott calls from viewers angered by the host’s commentary.

Trusted Sources

Associated Press, Reuters