ABC’s ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ Returns, but Sinclair’s ABC Affiliates Opt Out

LOS ANGELES — ABC announced the return of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” to its network, but Sinclair Broadcast Group, one of the largest owners of local television stations in the U.S., said its ABC affiliates will not air the show.

The Walt Disney Company, which owns ABC, stated Monday that the late-night talk show will resume airing Tuesday night after being pulled following controversial remarks by host Jimmy Kimmel.

Sinclair, which owns and operates 178 television stations across 81 markets, including 30 ABC affiliates, informed viewers it will preempt “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and replace it with news programming.

“Beginning Tuesday night, Sinclair will be preempting ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ across our ABC affiliate stations and replacing it with news programming,” a Sinclair spokesperson said. “Discussions with ABC are ongoing as we evaluate the show’s potential return.”

When the controversy first emerged, Sinclair called Kimmel’s remarks “inappropriate and deeply insensitive at a critical moment for our country.”

“We believe broadcasters have a responsibility to educate and elevate respectful, constructive dialogue in our communities,” Sinclair vice chairman Jason Smith said at the time. “This incident highlights the critical need for the FCC to take immediate regulatory action to address control held over local broadcasters by the big national networks.”