News Summary
Viewers in Washington, D.C. experienced a programming change as Sinclair-owned ABC affiliates opted not to air ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ Instead, they broadcast a special local news segment. This decision is viewed through the lens of the upcoming political campaigns, with increased advertisements for local candidates. The controversy stems from Kimmel’s previous comments and ongoing discussions between Sinclair and the show. Many viewers are displeased and contemplating switching networks amid this political and media tension.
Washington, D.C. – The late-night talk show “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” is not airing in several markets, including Washington, D.C., due to a decision by Sinclair-owned ABC affiliates, such as WJLA-TV. Instead of airing Kimmel’s return, viewers in D.C. were shown a “special edition” of 7News On Your Side without any prior announcement regarding the programming switch.
On the night that Kimmel returned to ABC, online reactions surged as viewers noticed the change. A news ticker indicated that Sinclair and Nexstar had decided to preempt Kimmel in favor of expanded local news coverage. The newscast, anchored by Scott Thuman, began with a segment focusing on the restoration of a cemetery for Black children located in Cheltenham, Maryland.
The abrupt shift in programming aligns with the upcoming political campaigns, as local ABC affiliates are valuable for airing political advertisements before the November election. Just before the news segment aired, there was a noticeable increase in advertising from candidates for Virginia’s gubernatorial and attorney general positions targeting WJLA’s audience.
Sinclair expressed that discussions regarding airing Kimmel’s show are “ongoing.” This follows an earlier request from Sinclair for Kimmel to apologize to the Kirk family and to contribute to the conservative organization Turning Point USA after Kimmel faced backlash for comments about the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Kimmel’s show had been suspended previously following criticism, including from the chair of the Federal Communications Commission, which led to Trump celebrating Kimmel’s temporary absence.
After WJLA chose not to air Kimmel, the station shifted to Sinclair’s national newscast, The National Desk, which prominently featured Donald Trump’s visit to the United Nations General Assembly. This newscast included segments on various topics, including efforts to maintain Charlie Kirk’s legacy and Disney’s price increases for streaming services like Disney+ and Hulu.
Sinclair has a history of aligning with conservative viewpoints, making it a target for critique from various groups. Viewers have expressed their discontent with the decision to bypass Kimmel’s show, leading to calls for protests against Sinclair, WJLA, and its advertisers. Some local viewers are contemplating switching to competing networks like NBC or CBS if Kimmel does not return.
Those wanting to watch “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” can still access the show through streaming platforms such as Hulu or by subscription services like DirecTV and Fubo. Sinclair, which operates over three dozen ABC-affiliated stations across the country, has indicated that while Kimmel’s absence is a notable issue, many of its ABC affiliates, including those operated by Nexstar, will be replacing Kimmel with expanded newscasts.
As the November elections approach, the importance of local television programs and their influence on voters continues to grow, alongside the evident tension between media outlets and the late-night entertainment landscape. The decision to replace “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” amid political advertising continues to stir discussions among viewers regarding the role of local networks and their programming choices in a politically charged environment.
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HERE Resources
Jimmy Kimmel Live! Not Airing on ABC in Washington, D.C.
Additional Resources
- The Washington Post: Jimmy Kimmel Returns to Late Night
- Axios: Jimmy Kimmel Live Faces Sinclair and Nexstar Boycott
- KIRO 7: Jimmy Kimmel Live Returns to Television
- Deadline: Jimmy Kimmel’s Return and Sinclair Issues
- Washingtonian: DC Viewers Scramble to Watch Kimmel’s Return
- Wikipedia: Jimmy Kimmel Live!
- Google Search: Jimmy Kimmel Live
- Google Scholar: Jimmy Kimmel
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jimmy Kimmel
- Google News: Jimmy Kimmel Live
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
