Nexstar Media Group said it will continue to preempt the ABC late-night show “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” in select markets, signaling a firm stance on programming control at the local level. The company, one of the largest owners of local TV stations in the United States, did not specify markets or timelines, but confirmed the decision as part of its scheduling strategy.
“Nexstar Media Group, one of the nation’s largest local TV station owners, said it will continue to preempt ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’”
The move affects viewers in areas where Nexstar owns ABC affiliate stations or controls programming blocks through shared service or operating agreements. It raises questions about how local broadcasters balance network lineups with their own revenue and audience goals.
Background: How Preemptions Work
Preemption is a routine tool in local TV. Stations can replace network shows with local news, sports, or syndicated programs, within limits set by affiliation agreements. Stations often do this if they believe an alternative will perform better with local audiences or deliver higher ad revenue.
Nexstar is a major force in broadcast TV. It owns or controls stations across the country and operates The CW network. ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” has aired since 2003 and is one of the longest-running late-night franchises. Decisions about late-night slots can influence how stations pitch to advertisers and how they retain viewers after local news.
Affiliation agreements between networks and station groups generally allow some preemptions each year. These decisions can reflect broader negotiations between networks and station groups over programming rights, fees, and brand consistency.
What Drives the Decision
While Nexstar did not publicly detail the reasons, station groups often point to several factors when they change late-night schedules:
- Local ratings performance and audience fit.
- Advertising demand and margins for alternate shows.
- Contract terms that allow flexibility in certain time slots.
- Programming conflicts with local sports or special events.
Late-night is a competitive space, with audience fragmentation across streaming and social platforms. For station groups, the 11:35 p.m. hour is a place to test lower-cost syndicated shows, extend local newscasts, or add regional content that appeals to specific markets.
Impact on Viewers and Advertisers
For viewers, the immediate effect is simple: in affected markets, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” will not air as scheduled on the local ABC affiliate. Fans still have options. ABC typically offers next-day streaming through Hulu and its digital platforms, and clips are widely available online.
Advertisers will weigh the shift carefully. If a station replaces a national late-night program with content it controls, it may capture a larger share of ad inventory in that hour. Stations can then pitch local sponsors more targeted placements. However, they also risk losing viewers who tune in specifically for the network show.
Industry Context and Possible Outcomes
Preemptions sometimes draw pushback from networks seeking consistency across the country. Networks market national lineups to keep a steady schedule for viewers and advertisers. Station groups push for flexibility to meet local goals. That tension is not new, and it often flares in late-night and weekend slots where local programming can outperform certain national shows.
If preemptions become long-running, networks can pressure station groups through contract discussions or public messaging. Station groups can counter with ratings data and local revenue results. Both sides want profitable schedules and stable audiences.
Viewers have more alternatives than ever, which lowers the cost of such disputes. If fans can watch what they want on demand the next day, the urgency of the over-the-air slot diminishes. That reality gives station groups more room to prioritize local business needs without entirely blocking access to the show.
What to Watch Next
Several signals will show how this plays out:
- Whether preemptions spread to more markets or recede over time.
- Any changes in late-night ratings at affected stations.
- Network responses that seek tighter schedule compliance.
- Viewer behavior, including shifts to streaming for late-night content.
For now, Nexstar’s posture suggests local control remains a priority. The decision reflects broader trends in broadcast TV, where station groups manage tight margins and tailor schedules to local tastes. Viewers who want “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” still have streaming options, but the over-the-air experience will depend on where they live and which station serves their market.
The next phase will hinge on data. If alternate programming beats the late-night standard on key measures, more preemptions could follow. If not, stations may return to the network lineup. Either way, the late-night hour remains a test bed for how local television adapts to changing viewer habits.
