Local News Breaks In: Sinclair Stations Pre-empt ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ – What You Need to Know
It’s a notable shift in late-night viewing for many across the country. Several Sinclair Broadcast Group-owned stations opted to air local programming instead of the regularly scheduled “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” this week. this decision has sparked conversation about local news priorities and the evolving media landscape.
But what does this actually mean for you, the viewer? Let’s break down the specifics.
where Did ’Kimmel’ Disappear?
Here’s a comprehensive list of the Sinclair cities and stations where “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” was pre-empted:
* Abilene-Sweetwater, TX – KTXS
* amarillo, TX – KVII & KVIH
* Birmingham, AL - WABM, WBMA & WDBB
* Champaign – Springfield – Decatur, IL - WICD & WICS
* charleston – Huntington, WV – WCHS
* Charleston, SC – WCIV
* Chattanooga, TN – WTVC
* Columbus, OH – WSYX
* Dayton, OH – WKEF
* Eureka, CA – KAEF
* Florence – Myrtle Beach, SC – WPDE
* Greensboro – High Point – Winston-Salem, NC – WXLV
* greenville – Spartanburg, SC / Asheville, NC / Anderson, SC – WLOS
* Greenville-N.Bern-Washington, NC - WCTI
* Lincoln – Hastings – Kearney, NE – KHGI, KHGI-CD, KWNB & KWNB-LD
* Little Rock – Pine Bluff, AR - KATV
* Macon, GA – WGXA
* Mobile, AL / pensacola, FL – WEAR
* Ottumwa, IA / Kirksville, MO – KTVO
* Portland, OR – KATU
* Quincy, IL / Hannibal, MO / Keokuk, IA – KHQA
* Roanoke – Lynchburg, VA - WSET
* Rochester, NY – WHAM
* San Angelo, TX – KTXE-LD
* Seattle – Tacoma, WA – KOMO
* St. Louis,MO – KDNL
* Traverse City – Cadillac,MI – WGTQ,WGTU,WPBN & WTOM
* Tulsa,OK – KTUL
* Washington,DC - WJLA
As you can see,the pre-emptions cover a wide geographic area,impacting viewers in numerous states.
Why the Change?
Generally, these decisions stem from a station’s commitment to providing local news and details during crucial times. Often, this involves extended coverage of breaking news events or important community updates. I’ve found that stations prioritize serving their immediate audience, and sometimes that means adjusting national programming schedules.
What About Other Shows?
You’re not alone if you’re wondering about other late-night programs. “South Park” is also back with a new episode this week. However, the creators, Matt Stone, have clarified that the delay wasn’t due to censorship.
Rather, they simply needed more time to finish the episode. Stone emphasized that the episode was not pulled or altered by any external forces. it’s a reminder that even established shows face production challenges.
What Does This Mean for the Future?
This situation highlights the ongoing tension between national programming and local news priorities. It’s likely we’ll see similar instances in the future, especially during notable local events. Ultimately, it’s a reminder to stay informed about your local station’s programming choices and how they impact your viewing options.
You can always check your local station’s website or social media channels for the most up
