Nexstar and Sinclair: The ABC Affiliates Behind Jimmy Kimmel's Preemption

The Tension Between Local TV Stations and National Broadcasters

The ongoing conflict between local TV station owners and national broadcasters has taken center stage with the recent decision by two major companies to continue preempting late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel's program, even after ABC announced plans to reinstate it nationally. This situation highlights the complex and often delicate relationship between local station owners and national networks like Disney-owned ABC.

Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group, which together own a significant portion of ABC affiliates, have made their stance clear. They are committed to airing their own local programming instead of Kimmel’s show, despite ABC’s efforts to bring it back on a national scale. This decision underscores the influence that local TV station owners can exert over national content, especially when it comes to programming that may be seen as controversial or politically sensitive.

Key Players in the Conflict

Nexstar Media Group, based in Irving, Texas, operates 28 ABC affiliates. The company stated that it will continue to preempt Kimmel’s show “pending assurance that all parties are committed to fostering an environment of respectful, constructive dialogue in the markets we serve.” Nexstar also mentioned that “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” will remain available nationwide through various Disney-owned streaming platforms, while its stations will focus on producing local news and relevant programming for their respective markets.

Sinclair Broadcast Group, headquartered in Hunt Valley, Maryland, operates 38 local ABC affiliates. Known for its conservative viewpoint in broadcasts, Sinclair has also decided to preempt Kimmel’s show, replacing it with news programming. The company noted that discussions with ABC are ongoing as they evaluate the show’s potential return.

Both companies have extensive reach across the U.S., with Nexstar owning or partnering with more than 200 stations in 116 markets. It also owns broadcast networks such as the CW and NewsNation, as well as political website The Hill and nearly a third of the Food Network. Sinclair, on the other hand, operates or provides services to 178 TV stations in 81 markets affiliated with all major broadcast networks and owns the Tennis Channel.

The Business of Local and National TV

Local TV affiliates and national broadcasters depend on each other for revenue and content distribution. While local stations produce their own programming, they contract with national networks to air their shows, splitting advertising revenue and fees from cable companies. Typically, during an hour of commercial time, about 12 minutes go to the national broadcaster, and 4 minutes go to the local station owner.

For smaller market stations, the impact of preempting a nationally popular show like Kimmel might not be as significant as it would be for larger programs that draw higher ratings and advertising dollars. This dynamic makes it easier for local stations to take a stand on controversial content without losing substantial revenue.

Controversies and Influence

Both Nexstar and Sinclair have faced scrutiny over their practices. In 2018, Sinclair was criticized for a video that showed anchors reading identical statements decrying biased news coverage, without disclosing that the network had ordered them to do so. Nexstar has also been accused of duplicating news content across its stations, with some researchers noting that it is the “biggest duplicator” of news content today.

The influence of these companies extends beyond just content. As media consolidation continues, the power of local affiliates to shape what viewers see has become more pronounced. Historically, local stations have sometimes balked at airing controversial content, such as the 1990s episode of “Ellen” where the character came out as gay. However, the current situation involving Kimmel highlights a more top-down approach, with powerful figures like Disney CEO Bob Iger and FCC Chair Brendan Carr involved.

The Future of the Relationship

While the balance of power in the relationship between local stations and national networks remains a topic of debate, analysts suggest that ABC may have the upper hand due to its alternative revenue streams through streaming services and cable networks. Despite relying on local affiliate relationships for viewership and ad revenue, ABC’s overall revenue is not heavily dependent on its broadcast network alone.

As the media landscape continues to evolve, the tension between Hollywood-driven programming and the values of everyday Americans is likely to persist. With the growing influence of large media conglomerates, the decisions made by companies like Nexstar and Sinclair will continue to shape the content that reaches American households.