Sinclair Says It Won’t Air Jimmy Kimmel Live as ABC Moves to Bring the Show Back
Sinclair Broadcast Group says it will not resume airing “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on its ABC affiliates as of September 2025, demanding a direct apology, donations, and formal talks with ABC over network accountability in response to Kimmel’s remarks.
Key takeaways
- Sinclair preempted the show across its ABC stations citing comments it called “inappropriate and deeply insensitive,” and has not cleared the program for return.
- Demands: Sinclair seeks a direct apology from Jimmy Kimmel, donations to Charlie Kirk’s family and Turning Point USA, and formal talks with ABC about accountability.
- Programming changes: Sinclair is replacing Kimmel’s slot with a remembrance special for Charlie Kirk and offering that feed to other ABC affiliates.
- Broader impact: Legal, financial, regulatory and political consequences are unfolding, with negotiations continuing into September 2025.
Main content
Initial incident and Sinclair’s reaction
What happened: Jimmy Kimmel made remarks referencing the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA. Sinclair described the comments as “insensitive and out of bounds” for a broadcaster reaching diverse local audiences.
Immediate action: Sinclair preempted Jimmy Kimmel Live! on all its ABC stations and publicly called for additional actions beyond ABC’s internal steps. The company said Kimmel must offer a direct apology to Kirk’s family and make personal donations to both the family and Turning Point USA. (Source: Sinclair press release)
Sinclair frames the move as defending community standards
Sinclair argued it acted in the public interest, asking the Federal Communications Commission to consider regulatory action related to network influence over affiliates and demanding ABC commit to “professionalism and accountability” in programming decisions. (Source: Sinclair statement)
ABC’s planned return and ongoing talks
ABC has announced plans to bring Jimmy Kimmel Live! back to its late-night lineup after its review and internal disciplinary steps. However, Sinclair — which operates the largest group of ABC affiliates — has refused to clear the show on its stations while it pursues formal talks with the network over accountability. Negotiations were ongoing as of September 2025. (Source: ABC/industry coverage (video); Sinclair statement)
Programming changes and alternatives
Replacement programming: In markets where Sinclair owns the ABC station, the company is airing a special remembrance program dedicated to Charlie Kirk in the usual Kimmel time slot and offering that special to other ABC affiliates as a direct replacement. (Source: Sinclair press release)
Legal and contract questions: ABC affiliate agreement concerns
Media analysts note that prolonged refusal to clear network programming can raise legal and contractual issues. Affiliate agreements often limit how much network content may be preempted without consent; extended preemption could risk breaching affiliate contracts and trigger disputes over carriage fees, advertising splits, or even affiliation status. Sinclair acknowledges these risks but frames the decision as necessary to protect viewers and community standards. (Analysis: industry analysis (video); Sinclair statement)
Financial ripple effects
The controversy affected market sentiment: reports indicate Disney — ABC’s parent company — saw a drop in market value shortly after Sinclair’s suspension and broader fallout, with billions in market capitalization lost in the immediate days after the preemption. That movement reflects investor concern about ratings, ad revenue, and potential affiliate disputes impacting distribution. (Market reaction referenced in reporting: coverage (video))
Regulatory and political implications
Sinclair called on the FCC to explore “immediate regulatory action” examining how networks and local broadcasters interact when national programming conflicts with local community standards. This injects a regulatory dimension into a corporate dispute and raises broader questions about balancing network rights with local control. (Source: Sinclair statement)
Public reaction and demonstrations
The episode has generated public demonstrations and spirited debate. Supporters of Sinclair’s stance staged rallies, while others warned about the precedent of local stations refusing network programming over content disputes. The controversy has become a flashpoint in broader conversations about media responsibility, free expression, and partisan divides in American media. (Coverage note: reporting (video))
How this affects viewers and advertisers
Viewers in Sinclair markets who normally watch Jimmy Kimmel Live! on ABC will see different programming while the preemption continues. Advertisers who buy late-night network spots may need to renegotiate or shift buys in Sinclair markets, with local sales teams adjusting inventory and national buyers watching closely if disputes persist. (Sinclair notice: Sinclair press release)
Implications for California
Economic impact: California markets where Sinclair owns ABC affiliates could see shifts in late-night ad revenue, affecting local ad sales teams, production vendors, and small advertisers who rely on late-night spots. (Source: Sinclair statement)
Political consequences: The controversy may resonate in California politics. Conservatives who prioritize broadcaster accountability may view Sinclair’s stance favorably, while liberals may see it as escalation. Lawmakers in Sacramento monitoring media regulation and consumer protection could weigh in on FCC requests or hold hearings.
Social and cultural effects: Local programming choices and the planned remembrance special for Charlie Kirk will alter late-night lineups and could spark community discussion. Hollywood and California-based media talent will watch the resolution closely given implications for distribution of entertainment content.
Practical applications for viewers
Californians who normally tune in to Kimmel on Sinclair-owned ABC stations should check local listings for the replacement special. Many late-night shows are available on streaming platforms or network apps; viewers may switch to those services to watch Kimmel if local preemption persists. Local station websites and social channels will post schedule updates and advertiser notices. (Sinclair programming substitution note: Sinclair press release)
