Sinclair Broadcast Group will preempt Jimmy Kimmel Live! on its ABC affiliates, replacing the late-night show with news programming amid ongoing disputes with ABC.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—In a dramatic twist for late-night television, Sinclair Broadcast Group announced Monday that its ABC affiliate stations will not air Jimmy Kimmel Live! when the talk show returns Tuesday.

The decision comes amid ongoing negotiations with ABC and lingering controversy over comments made by the host earlier this month.

“Beginning Tuesday night, Sinclair will be preempting Jimmy Kimmel Live! across our ABC affiliate stations and replacing it with news programming,” the company posted on X.

The statement emphasized that discussions with ABC are ongoing as the broadcaster evaluates the show’s potential return.

For Sinclair, which operates the largest number of ABC affiliate stations in the nation, the decision is a significant move that underscores the network’s cautious approach to controversial programming.

“We want to ensure that our programming reflects the values and expectations of our viewers,” Vice Chairman Jason Smith said in a statement. “Mr. Kimmel’s remarks were inappropriate and deeply insensitive at a critical moment for our country.”

The controversy centers on comments Kimmel made regarding the recent killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

During an episode prior to the show’s temporary suspension, Kimmel described the alleged killer as part of the so-called “MAGA gang,” a remark that sparked immediate backlash among conservative audiences and politicians.

Sinclair had previously called on the host to issue a direct apology to the Kirk family and make a donation to Turning Point USA, the nonprofit co-founded by Kirk.

“I think it’s important to recognize that words carry weight, especially on national television,” Smith said. “We felt that a direct response to the family and to the broader community was necessary before resuming normal programming.”

Kimmel, who earns an estimated $15 million per year as the host of ABC’s flagship late-night talk show, negotiated his return to the network directly with Walt Disney Co. CEO Bob Iger and Disney Entertainment Co-Chair Dana Walden.

Sources familiar with the discussions described the negotiations as “intense and highly confidential,” reflecting both Kimmel’s star power and the sensitivity of the controversy.

Despite the high stakes, Kimmel is expected to address his comments during a monologue on Tuesday, though he reportedly will not issue a formal apology.

“He wants to acknowledge the situation and offer context, but he is standing by his underlying commentary,” one source told The Post.

Disney, which owns ABC, suspended Kimmel last Wednesday, citing concerns about inflaming “a tense situation at an emotional moment for our country.”

In a statement, the company called some of Kimmel’s remarks “ill-timed and thus insensitive,” emphasizing that the suspension was intended to avoid further polarization.

The network’s decision to suspend Kimmel—and Sinclair’s subsequent refusal to air the show—reflects a broader struggle in media between editorial freedom, corporate oversight, and audience expectations.

ABC has long promoted Kimmel as a leading voice in late-night comedy, but the backlash demonstrates the precarious balance between humor, social commentary, and political sensitivities.

“Late-night talk shows walk a fine line,” said media analyst Susan Delgado. “They are expected to entertain, but also to comment on social and political issues.

When a host crosses that line—or is perceived to—affiliates like Sinclair can and will push back. It’s a reminder that local stations are not passive transmitters; they exercise discretion based on their audiences.”

It remains unclear whether other major ABC affiliate groups, such as Nexstar, will follow Sinclair’s lead. Nexstar operates 32 ABC affiliates and, together with Sinclair, the two companies reach roughly a quarter of all households served by the network.

A spokesperson for Nexstar declined to comment on whether the stations would preempt Jimmy Kimmel Live! in the coming week.

The situation has sparked conversation both inside and outside the media industry. Journalists and television critics have noted that the dispute could influence future negotiations between network executives and affiliate stations over sensitive programming.

“This isn’t just about one show,” said Delgado. “It’s about the power dynamics between content creators, network management, and local broadcasters. Sinclair is asserting its influence in a way that could have long-term implications.”

Meanwhile, Kimmel has been preparing for his return under intense scrutiny. Sources describe him as “focused but wary,” aware that millions of viewers, conservative and liberal alike, will be watching his first monologue post-suspension.

The host reportedly worked closely with writers to craft a segment that addresses the controversy without escalating tensions further.

“He wants to acknowledge what happened, but he also wants to get back to what the show does best—comedy and commentary,” said one insider. “It’s a delicate balancing act, and he knows one misstep could reignite the firestorm.”

For Sinclair, the decision to preempt the show is as much about public perception as it is about business strategy. The company has historically positioned itself as a conservative-leaning broadcaster, emphasizing news programming and community-focused content.

Replacing Kimmel’s late-night slot with news coverage allows Sinclair to sidestep potential criticism from its core audience while signaling that it maintains editorial control over controversial content.

“It’s about trust,” Jason Smith said. “Our viewers rely on us for responsible programming. We have to make judgment calls that reflect that trust.”

The preemption will affect a wide range of markets, including key urban areas and politically significant regions.

Sinclair owns WJLA-TV, an influential ABC affiliate in Washington, D.C., and the decision to pull Kimmel’s show from this station alone is expected to generate headlines in the nation’s capital.

Industry observers note that pulling a high-profile national program from a flagship station is a rare move, highlighting the gravity of the dispute.

Critics of Sinclair’s decision argue that the preemption risks alienating younger viewers who rely on late-night programming for both entertainment and cultural commentary.

“Late-night shows are a cultural touchstone,” said media critic Jordan Fields. “When stations pull them, it’s more than just a scheduling change; it’s a statement about whose voices are welcome on television.”

For Kimmel, the suspension and Sinclair’s refusal to air the program represent a temporary setback, but the host retains widespread visibility and support from ABC’s national broadcast.

Industry insiders believe that as long as he navigates the controversy carefully, the show will continue to maintain its ratings and cultural relevance.

“This is a high-stakes game for everyone involved,” Delgado added. “Kimmel, ABC, and Sinclair are all negotiating not just about one episode, but about the boundaries of comedy, the influence of affiliate stations, and the expectations of a politically polarized audience.

How they handle this will be studied for years as a case study in modern broadcast television.”

As Tuesday approaches, viewers will be watching closely to see how Kimmel addresses the controversy and whether the broader network-affiliate negotiations reach a resolution.

For now, audiences served by Sinclair’s ABC stations will tune in to news programming instead of the late-night host’s return, a reminder that in today’s media landscape, even established shows are vulnerable to the shifting tides of public opinion, corporate strategy, and political sensitivities.

“The landscape is changing,” said Delgado. “Networks, affiliates, and hosts are all operating in a world where every word is scrutinized, and every decision carries weight. This is just the latest chapter in that ongoing story.”

The situation remains fluid, with ABC, Sinclair, and Kimmel navigating a high-profile controversy that combines media, politics, and public sentiment.

For viewers, the unfolding drama serves as a stark illustration of how much influence broadcast companies and affiliate stations wield—and how quickly the familiar rhythms of television can be disrupted by a single remark.