Jimmy Kimmel’s Return to ABC Faces Blackout on dozens of Stations Amidst Growing Media Consolidation Concerns
NEW YORK – September 24, 2023 – Jimmy Kimmel’s highly anticipated return to ABC’s late-night lineup is set to be met with darkness on dozens of stations across the country, a situation highlighting escalating tensions between the network and its affiliate owners, particularly Nexstar and Sinclair Broadcast Group.The dispute stems from ABC’s decision to allow Kimmel to address the recent controversy surrounding his monologue jokes about barbra Streisand, a move that prompted direct intervention from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr.
The conflict underscores a broader trend of increasing influence wielded by large affiliate groups, fueled by decades of media consolidation. Research from the University of Delaware, detailed at https://udspace.udel.edu/items/4e6b586b-a07e-41fb-b516-4938aa55d180, demonstrates that Nexstar stations have historically duplicated broadcasts at a higher rate than other affiliate owners.
“The web of companies involved in getting Americans their television shows is relatively unknown to most viewers, though their influence has been made known for decades,” explained Lauren Herold, an editor of the forthcoming book “Local TV.” She noted that past conflicts between affiliates and networks frequently enough involved individual local executives, but the current situation is different. “What’s more alarming about this particular incident to me is the top-down nature of it.”
The pressure on ABC isn’t solely from affiliate groups. Disney CEO Bob Iger and FCC Chair Carr have also been directly involved. herold expressed concern over the FCC “kind of pinpointing particular programs to cancel,” stating it is “concerning to people who advocate for television to be a forum for free discussion and debate.”
Jasmine Bloemhof, a media strategist who has worked with both Sinclair and Nexstar stations, said consolidation has given these companies “enormous influence.” She believes controversies like the one surrounding Kimmel “reveal the tension between Hollywood-driven programming and the values of everyday Americans,” adding, “Networks may push one agenda, but affiliates owned by companies like Sinclair and Nexstar understand they serve conservative-leaning communities across the country. And that friction is bound to surface.”
However, media analyst Dolgin suggests Disney holds more leverage. While acknowledging the importance of affiliate relationships for viewership, advertising revenue, and cable deals, he pointed out that the ABC broadcast network represents a “very small percentage of (Disney’s) revenue.” He added, “They’ve got choice ways with their streaming services, with their cable networks to reach consumers otherwise. So to me, that puts them a little bit in the driver’s seat in this relationship.”
