Core Viewpoint - Disney's reinstatement of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" has intensified the conflict between ABC and local TV broadcasters Sinclair and Nexstar, who collectively own nearly a third of ABC affiliate stations in the US and have decided not to air the show, opting instead for local news [1][2]. Group 1: ABC's Situation - ABC suspended "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" indefinitely due to backlash from Sinclair and Nexstar, as well as pressure from FCC chair Brendan Carr, who threatened to review local broadcast licenses if the show continued to air [2]. - If Sinclair and Nexstar do not air Kimmel's show, ABC's audience may decline, potentially leading to "makegoods" for ad buyers and a long-term decrease in ad rates, further impacting ABC's already declining TV revenue [3]. Group 2: Local Broadcasters' Risks - Local broadcasters may face backlash for boycotting Kimmel, as viewers who support him might turn to streaming services, resulting in a loss of audience for local TV [4]. - Sinclair and Nexstar experienced a decline in ad revenue, with Sinclair's revenue falling by 6% and Nexstar's by 9% in the second quarter, as viewers continue to migrate away from traditional TV [5]. Group 3: Industry Dynamics - Sinclair and Nexstar have gained significant power through consolidation, with Sinclair owning or operating 185 stations and 646 channels, including 40 ABC affiliates, while Nexstar has about 30 ABC affiliates among its 201 stations [11]. - The consolidation has provided these broadcasters with leverage to negotiate better terms and influence ABC's programming, especially in light of perceived biases in late-night TV [12][18]. Group 4: Political Influence - Both Sinclair and Nexstar have conservative-leaning ownership, which may influence their decision to boycott Kimmel's show, reflecting a broader trend of local broadcasters seeking more power in their relationships with networks [16][18]. - Sinclair has made demands for Kimmel's show to return, including an apology to Charlie Kirk's family, indicating a desire to correct perceived biases in late-night programming [17]. Group 5: Late-Night TV Landscape - The late-night TV format is under pressure from both political influences and a challenging business model, with CBS recently canceling Stephen Colbert's show due to financial losses [18]. - Analysts suggest that the decision to deplatform Kimmel aligns with a broader trend of declining relevance for late-night TV, which is seen as less culturally impactful than before [19].