ABC Affiliates Told Kimmel Preempted Through at Least Thursday

ABC affiliates received news late Wednesday that “Jimmy Kimmel Live” would be off the network at least through Thursday, with plans for the 11:35 p.m. slot still up in the air.

A memo sent to ABC’s 150 affiliate station partners addressed the situation that unfolded when Nexstar, a powerful station group, announced it would preempt Kimmel’s show on its 32 ABC affiliate stations. Sinclair Broadcast Group also confirmed its plans to preempt Kimmel due to remarks he made about the MAGA movement and the activist Charlie Kirk, who was tragically shot at a public event in Utah on Sept. 10.

The ABC Affiliate Board informed affiliates that repeat episodes of “Celebrity Family Feud” would fill the 11:35 p.m. slot on Wednesday and Thursday, with further guidance from Disney/ABC on the way. While no formal decision has been made about the future of Kimmel’s show, executives are in talks with the host and his team as the controversy unfolds.

The actions taken by Nexstar and Sinclair demonstrate the influence broadcast TV station owners can wield over major networks. While the landscape of TV has evolved with cable and streaming options, the local-national broadcast network TV model still holds sway. Nexstar and Sinclair saw an opportunity to exert their power amidst the Kimmel controversy, a situation that was further fueled by remarks from FCC chairman Brendan Carr.

Critics have accused Carr of using the FCC’s regulatory authority to target Trump’s opponents, while broadcasters like Nexstar are pushing for changes to ownership rules to facilitate acquisitions like the proposed Tegna deal. The swift response to Kimmel’s remarks has raised eyebrows in Hollywood and among TV industry veterans.

The speed at which Kimmel’s show was affected has left many reeling, with one broadcast TV executive lamenting the impact on free speech in America. The situation continues to evolve as stakeholders navigate the intersection of media, politics, and regulation.