ABC made a primetime programming switch this week, swapping “Jimmy Kimmel Live” and “Nightline.” Beginning Tuesday, Kimmel’s program began airing at 11:35pmET/10:35pmCT and Nightline will air at 12:35amET/11:35pmCT.
Some ABC affiliates, including WISN in Milwaukee and KSTP in Minneapolis, are opting to air Kimmel later than its scheduled broadcast time in favor of local newscasts. WISN general manager Jan Wade told the Milwaukee Business Journal that the success of the station’s hour-long 10 p.m. newscast is the reason for delaying Kimmel’s program.
“We don’t want to abandon something that’s a strength for us,” Wade said.
KSTP will expand its 10 p.m. newscast to an hour in the absence of “Nightline.” Kimmel will air at 11:00pmCT.
Know of any other markets where ABC affiliates are pushing Kimmel’s program back? Let us know: tvspy@mediabistro.com.