3 Key NC cities not airing ‘Rebirth of Jimmy Kimmel Live’
Late-night television got a shake-up with Jimmy Kimmel’s much-anticipated return to ABC, but not every viewer will get to see it. While ABC is carrying the show nationally, broadcasting giants Nextstar and Sinclair have blocked the program from airing on their local affiliate stations. This blackout hits hard in North Carolina, where three GOP-leaning cities—Winston-Salem, New Bern, and Asheville—will be left in the dark. For residents in these areas, the absence of Kimmel’s comeback underscores the growing tug-of-war between national networks and politically influenced local station groups, leaving fans with little choice but to turn to streaming platforms or alternative viewing options.
The decision not only affects entertainment but also stirs conversation about the intersection of politics, media control, and access to information. Kimmel has often been a sharp critic of conservative politics, which makes Sinclair and Nextstar’s refusal to carry the show appear less like a business move and more like a political statement. In a key swing state like North Carolina, the absence of a nationally recognized late-night voice in these three cities may feel like censorship to some and strategy to others. As Kimmel reclaims his seat on ABC, the divide over who gets to watch him highlights the deeper cultural battles playing out across America’s media landscape.
