Outrage spreads as 23% of homes lost access to the episode. This week a large ABC affiliate group, Sinclair, announced it would air a Charlie Kirk remembrance instead of Tuesday\u2019s late\u2011night slot, and vowed not to return Jimmy Kimmel Live! \u201cuntil formal discussions\u201d with ABC occur, per a Sinclair statement. The move matters because it removes the show from major markets while the FCC and Disney negotiate the fallout. This is both a ratings test and a corporate power play – who wins, and who pays the price?<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Sinclair<\/strong> announced a Charlie Kirk remembrance aired Sept. 19; impact: preempted<\/strong> Kimmel in many markets.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Nexstar and Sinclair preemptions represent about 23%<\/strong> of U.S. households; viewers cut off in big markets.<\/p>\n
\u2022 ABC paused Kimmel earlier this week; Disney and Kimmel later negotiated a return that still left local gaps.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Why Sinclair’s move might reshape local TV ownership in 2025<\/h2>\n
Sinclair\u2019s statement escalates a network\u2011affiliate standoff amid a rare FCC intervention, creating a real\u2011time test of local station power. Stations that pull a national program can erase tens of millions of streaming and linear impressions overnight – and advertisers notice fast. This matters now because the action happened while ABC, Disney and the FCC were still negotiating responses, raising questions about affiliate leverage ahead of 2026 ad buys and affiliate renewals.<\/p>\n
How colleagues and critics reacted within 48 hours of the preemption<\/h2>\n
The reaction split quickly: peers and celebrities defended free\u2011speech concerns, while station groups framed the choice as accountability. Industry insiders note that pulling a late\u2011night staple is rare and signals an escalation in affiliate\u2011to\u2011network pressure.<\/p>\n
\nSinclair Says Kimmel Suspension is Not Enough, Calls on FCC and ABC to Take Additional Action<\/p>\n
Sinclair\u2019s ABC stations to Air Special in Remembrance of Charlie Kirk During Jimmy Kimmel Live! Friday Timeslot <\/p>\n
Sinclair, the nation\u2019s largest ABC affiliate group, objects to recent\u2026<\/p>\n
— Sinclair, Inc. (@WeAreSinclair) September 18, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n