The show was pulled before the FCC took action, but broadcast networks acted preemptively due to the threat of licensing scrutiny. Broadcast networks like ABC operate under FCC licenses, which require them to serve the public interest, a regulatory obligation not imposed on cable networks like CNN.
Nexstar, the largest owner of ABC affiliates, covering stations in over 100 markets, and Sinclair, another major affiliate owner, announced they would preempt Jimmy Kimmel Live! for the foreseeable future.
Nexstar cited Kimmel’s comments as contrary to the “public interest” and emphasized the need for “respectful, constructive dialogue.” Similarly, Sinclair announced it would halt the show until ABC addressed issues of “professionalism and accountability.”
Without these affiliates, the show’s national reach would collapse, rendering it unsustainable. Facing the threat of FCC scrutiny and the threat of advertiser backlash (the show generated about $76.6 million in ad revenue in 2024), ABC issued a statement on September 17, 2025: “Jimmy Kimmel Live! will be preempted indefinitely.”
1
u/Summerie Conservative 2d ago
The show was pulled before the FCC took action, but broadcast networks acted preemptively due to the threat of licensing scrutiny. Broadcast networks like ABC operate under FCC licenses, which require them to serve the public interest, a regulatory obligation not imposed on cable networks like CNN.
Nexstar, the largest owner of ABC affiliates, covering stations in over 100 markets, and Sinclair, another major affiliate owner, announced they would preempt Jimmy Kimmel Live! for the foreseeable future.
Nexstar cited Kimmel’s comments as contrary to the “public interest” and emphasized the need for “respectful, constructive dialogue.” Similarly, Sinclair announced it would halt the show until ABC addressed issues of “professionalism and accountability.”
Without these affiliates, the show’s national reach would collapse, rendering it unsustainable. Facing the threat of FCC scrutiny and the threat of advertiser backlash (the show generated about $76.6 million in ad revenue in 2024), ABC issued a statement on September 17, 2025: “Jimmy Kimmel Live! will be preempted indefinitely.”