Things could end up changing in the deal between networks and affiliates with a recent investigation by the FCC. And while the Jimmy Kimmel Live! standoff and blackout haven’t been named as the main cause for this; it is certainly suspicious timing.
On Wednesday, Nov. 19, the FCC announced that it wanted to look into the power that TV networks have over local affiliates. This could change the power networks have over their affiliates, but the question is whether it’s going to be the right thing.
How is Jimmy Kimmel Live! involved?
It all came off the back of the Jimmy Kimmel Live! suspension back in September 2025, which saw his show go off the air due to ABC pulling it. However, when ABC put the show back on the air, some of the local networks owned by Sinclair and Nexstar decided to continue the blackout. That was until ABC put weight on the affiliate networks via the agreements signed.
These agreements are important. They ensure the high-value programming, which is often linked to sports, are made available to everyone. Many people will find that local NFL games air instead of scripted shows — as Boston viewers will have found with the 911 season 9 fall finale on Thursday, Nov. 13.
It was via this agreement that ABC was able to force Nexstar and Sinclair to put Kimmel’s show back on the air across the country. The two companies are right-leaning affiliates, and they wanted to show their support for the right-wingers who wanted Kimmel off the air.
How could this change late night TV?
It’s not just about late night TV, but the timing is suspicious. FCC chair, Brendan Carr, openly condemned Kimmel’s remarks regarding the Charlie Kirk shooting, leading to ABC’s decision to pull the show. However, that hit Disney — ABC’s overhead company — financially, and just a couple of days later, Kimmel was no longer suspended.
However, with the pressure on the right-wing networks to also bring Kimmel back, Carr wants to see just how much “undue influence” the networks have over their affiliate programmers. If it’s found that the contracts need to change, it could mean that local affiliates have more control over not airing particular shows, and while it’s mostly about late night TV right now, it could be about anything.
The FCC is listening to public comments through to Wednesday, Dec. 10. There will then be replies on Christmas Eve, and after that, the changes may happen. Right now, it’s in a wait-and-see situation.