Chattanooga, TN, September 24, 2025
News Summary
WTVC News Channel 9 in Chattanooga will not air ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ despite ABC lifting the suspension. Sinclair Broadcast Group maintains the preemption following Kimmel’s controversial comments about Charlie Kirk’s murder. Viewers will see local news instead, while Kimmel is set to return to national airing on September 23. The situation highlights ongoing tensions in political discourse on television.
Chattanooga, Tennessee
WTVC News Channel 9, the Chattanooga ABC affiliate owned by Sinclair Broadcast Group, will not air “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on Tuesday night. This decision comes despite ABC and Disney lifting the suspension on the show. Sinclair has opted to continue preempting “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” in the wake of Kimmel’s previous comments related to the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, which has sparked controversy and discussions regarding free speech and political discourse.
Jimmy Kimmel was suspended indefinitely on September 17, 2025, after making remarks referencing Charlie Kirk during a monologue. Kirk was killed on September 10, 2025, an event that stirred considerable public outcry and debate. Following the backlash, ABC and Disney reinstated “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” after discussions with Kimmel, which highlighted the contentious atmosphere surrounding political commentary in media and its impact on programming decisions.
Sinclair Broadcast Group, which owns 39 ABC affiliate stations across various markets and is the nation’s largest ABC affiliate group, has set a precedent by demanding that Kimmel issue an apology and make a donation to Kirk’s family before they agree to lift the suspension on the show. As a result, Sinclair’s decision to preempt “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” has not changed since it was initially made.
While Kimmel’s show remains unavailable on WTVC, the station will air local news from 11:35 p.m. until midnight on Tuesday. The programming for the second half of Kimmel’s time slot, from midnight to 12:30 a.m., has not been specified. Viewers wishing to catch up on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” can still access episodes through various streaming platforms, including Hulu, Disney+, fuboTV, and YouTube TV for subscribers.
Nexstar Media Group, which operates 28 ABC affiliates, also announced that their channels will continue to preempt “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” during the same timeframe, reflecting the wider impact of Sinclair’s decision. Nexstar has expressed the need for assurance regarding respectful and constructive dialogue from all parties involved.
Kimmel’s comments during his monologue specifically referred to the actions of “MAGAs” related to Kirk’s murder, suggesting that manipulative political actions influenced public perception and response. The decision to suspend Kimmel is also situated within a larger national debate regarding political memorials, freedom of expression, and reactions to political violence that have dominated media discussions in recent months.
Despite Sinclair’s ongoing preemption, Kimmel is expected to return to national airing for most ABC affiliates on September 23, 2025. The preemptions by Sinclair and Nexstar illustrate existing tensions between local affiliates and national broadcasters and raise questions about content control and responsibility in broadcast media.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” air on WTVC Channel 9 on Tuesday?
No, WTVC News Channel 9 will not air “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on Tuesday night.
Why was Jimmy Kimmel suspended?
Jimmy Kimmel was suspended indefinitely on September 17, 2025, after making comments about Charlie Kirk during a monologue related to his murder.
What is Sinclair’s requirement for lifting the suspension?
Sinclair demands that Kimmel issue an apology and make a donation to Kirk’s family before lifting the suspension on the show.
What will WTVC air instead of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”?
WTVC will air local news from 11:35 p.m. until midnight on Tuesday instead of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”
Where can viewers watch “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” if it is not aired locally?
Viewers can watch “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on streaming platforms such as Hulu, Disney+, fuboTV, and YouTube TV for subscribers.
When is Kimmel expected to return for national airing?
Kimmel is expected to return on national airing for most ABC affiliates on September 23, 2025.
Key Features of the Situation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Local Affiliation | WTVC is the Chattanooga ABC affiliate owned by Sinclair Broadcast Group. |
| Kimmel’s Suspension Date | September 17, 2025 |
| Reason for Suspension | Kimmel made comments about Charlie Kirk’s murder during a monologue. |
| Sinclair’s Demand | Kimmel must apologize and donate to Kirk’s family |
| Alternative Programming | Local news from 11:35 p.m. to midnight on Tuesday |
| Platforms for Show Access | Hulu, Disney+, fuboTV, YouTube TV |
| Nexstar’s Involvement | Nexstar’s ABC affiliates will also preempt “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” |
| Expected Return Date | September 23, 2025 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Jimmy Kimmel Returns to Late-Night Amid Controversy
Jimmy Kimmel Addresses Controversy Upon His Return
Jimmy Kimmel Returns to Stage After Controversial Suspension
Jimmy Kimmel Returns to Late-Night TV
Controversy Erupts Over Kimmel’s Suspension Following Political Comments
Additional Resources
- USA Today: Sinclair, Nexstar Not Airing Jimmy Kimmel Live!
- Times Free Press: Jimmy Kimmel Live! Will Not Air on Chattanooga’s WTVC
- WTOP: Who are Nexstar and Sinclair?
- Newsweek: Jimmy Kimmel Live! Map of Sinclair Broadcast
- AL.com: Cities That Won’t Be Able to Watch Jimmy Kimmel Live!
- Wikipedia: Jimmy Kimmel Live!
- Google Search: Jimmy Kimmel Live 2025
- Google Scholar: Political Speech in Media
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Political Satire
- Google News: Jimmy Kimmel Live
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
