Jimmy Kimmel's ABC Return Sparks Late-Night Blackout on Dozens of Stations

Jimmy Kimmel's Return to ABC Sparks Tension Between Hollywood and Heartland In a move that highlights the complex relationship between national broadcasters and local TV station owners, two major affiliate groups have announced they will continue to preempt Jimmy Kimmel's late-night talk show on their stations. The decision comes after ABC reinstated Kimmel following his brief suspension over comments made in response to conservative activist Charlie Kirk's assassination. Nexstar Media Group, which operates 28 ABC affiliates, including those in major cities like Washington, D.C., stated Tuesday that it stands by its decision to preempt the show pending assurance that all parties are committed to fostering an environment of civility and respect. Sinclair Broadcast Group, another major affiliate owner, has also chosen not to air Kimmel's show. "We believe it is essential for our stations to maintain a commitment to our viewers and advertisers to provide content that reflects their values," said Perry Sook, Nexstar Media Group's CEO. "We will continue to evaluate the programming on our stations based on what we believe best serves our audiences." The decision by these two affiliate groups highlights the influence local TV station owners have over national broadcasters like Disney-owned ABC. With a combined total of about 25% of ABC affiliates, their actions can significantly impact the network's reach and revenue. Kimmel was suspended for one week in May after making comments that some deemed insensitive to Kirk's assassination. The suspension sparked widespread criticism from Kimmel fans and fellow celebrities, who argued that his words were taken out of context. The incident has shed light on the often-tense relationship between Hollywood and the heartland, with some arguing that national broadcasters are too quick to appease local station owners' concerns about content. "This is a classic example of the tension between the interests of national networks and their affiliates," said Mark Cooper, director of research at the Center for Media Justice. "While ABC may have reinstated Kimmel's show nationally, these affiliate groups are exercising their own editorial discretion to decide what programming best serves their local audiences." As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how this will impact the future of late-night talk shows and the delicate balance between national broadcasters and local TV station owners. Background: Kimmel's show has been a staple on ABC for over 15 years, known for its humorous take on current events and pop culture. The controversy surrounding his suspension sparked widespread debate about free speech, censorship, and the role of media in society. Additional Perspectives: Industry insiders point out that this decision by Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group may have significant implications for ABC's future programming decisions. "This is a wake-up call for national networks to rethink their relationships with local affiliates," said one industry expert. "If these affiliate groups can dictate what content airs on their stations, it raises questions about the network's ability to maintain its brand and values." Current Status: As of now, Kimmel's show will continue to be preempted by Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group's local programming. ABC has stated that they will work with these affiliate groups to find a solution, but no further details have been released. The situation highlights the complex dynamics between national broadcasters and local TV station owners, underscoring the need for greater transparency and cooperation in the industry. *Reporting by Fortune.*