Nexstar, Sinclair Take on Disney Over Jimmy Kimmel: Will It Backfire?
One option could be to move the show to a different time slot or day, in order to reach a different audience. Another option could be to create a new late-night talk show to replace Kimmel, or to bring in a different host altogether. ABC could also consider partnering with a different station group to broadcast the show in the markets where Nexstar and Sinclair have pulled it.
Overall, the actions taken by Nexstar and Sinclair this week have sparked a debate about the future of television station ownership, the relationship between networks and affiliates, and the boundaries of free speech. While it remains to be seen how this controversy will ultimately play out, one thing is clear: the landscape of television broadcasting is changing, and the decisions made by companies like Nexstar and Sinclair have far-reaching implications for the industry as a whole. In today’s digital age, many viewers already catch Jimmy Kimmel and his monologue through social media platforms. “Jimmy Kimmel Live” is also available for streaming on Hulu, making it accessible to a wide audience. In Nexstar/Sinclair ABC markets, viewers can always find Kimmel’s show on these platforms. However, if competitors in these markets want to attract more viewers and possibly align themselves with Disney, they may consider clearing “Jimmy Kimmel Live” and other ABC series that the current affiliate refuses to broadcast.
The practice of local stations preempting network shows is not new. In 1993, 57 ABC affiliates chose not to air the premiere of “NYPD Blue” due to content concerns. ABC found alternative ways to broadcast the show on independent and Fox stations in those markets. Eventually, the success of “NYPD Blue” led the holdout affiliates to add the show back to their lineups. Similarly, CBS faced challenges in securing nationwide clearance for “Late Show With David Letterman” at its launch but found solutions to reach a broader audience.
With the strained relationship between networks and affiliates, the permanent refusal of Nexstar and Sinclair to air “Jimmy Kimmel Live” could have repercussions on their affiliate renewals. This could open the door for other stations to take over and offer ABC programming in those markets. Affiliate contracts typically last three years, and reports suggest that Disney’s affiliation deals with Nexstar and Sinclair are set to expire by the end of 2026.
Losing ABC affiliations would pose challenges for Nexstar and Sinclair, requiring them to find alternative programming or expand local news coverage. However, if the station cap is lifted and they gain more national reach, it could create headaches for traditional broadcast networks. This shift in power could lead to demands for programming changes from networks like ABC, potentially accelerating plans to move away from linear broadcasting.
Disney’s Bob Iger has hinted at the possibility of selling off linear networks, considering them not core to Disney’s business. The shift towards digital platforms like Hulu and ESPN for ABC content viewing indicates a changing landscape in television consumption. As local TV stations increasingly simulcast on apps, the idea of traditional broadcasting through towers may become outdated.
The potential consequences of affiliates breaking deals with networks could prompt Disney to explore other distribution methods for ABC programming. This could mark a significant shift in the broadcast television industry, with implications for station groups and network executives. As ratings on broadcast television continue to decline, events like these could trigger a paradigm shift in how content is delivered to viewers.
Overall, the evolving media landscape and changing viewer habits are reshaping the way content is distributed and consumed. Stations and networks must adapt to these shifts to stay relevant in an increasingly digital world.
