EXCLUSIVE: Jimmy Kimmel could be dealt another huge blow after ABC suspended him and his long-running show after he made a series of comments about Charlie Kirk’s assassination

Jimmy Kimmel has been suspended from ABC

One PR expert has warned that Jimmy Kimmel’s recent suspension from ABC could lead to a host of problems – and they don’t just affect the star but the network itself.

The 57-year-old comedian’s long-running TV talk show was pulled by ABC after he recently suggested that Tyler Robinson, the man accused of fatally shooting right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, 31, at a university in Utah, was aligned with the MAGA movement.

Sinclair, the broadcasting company that makes up the US’ largest ABC affiliate group, has issued a string of conditions it wants met before it screens Jimmy Kimmel Live! again.

The media company “objects to recent comments made by Mr. Kimmel concerning the assassination of Charlie Kirk” and, after discussions with ABC, made the decision to “indefinitely preempt” Jimmy Kimmel Live! for the foreseeable future.

Jimmy Kimmel will likely still get paid despite his suspension(Image: ABC via Getty Images)

The broadcasters vowed not to lift the show’s suspension on their ABC stations until they have “formal discussions” with the network regarding their “commitment to professionalism and accountability.”

With this in mind, Mirror US reached out to Stacy Jones, CEO of California-based PR company Hollywood Branded, to find out how much money Jimmy could be losing as Sinclair decides on his fate.

Stacy began, “If Jimmy Kimmel Live! is permanently dropped, the financial losses would be significant.

Industry estimates suggest a late-night program at this level generates tens of millions of dollars a year in advertising and sponsorship revenue for ABC.

“Jimmy’s own contract has been reported in the $15–20 million per year range, with additional income from specials, Oscars hosting, and production deals.”

“That said, top-tier contracts often include safeguards that guarantee a host is still paid even if a show is suspended or canceled.

So the bigger story isn’t necessarily about Jimmy’s paycheck – it’s the ripple effect on the network and its ecosystem,” the expert warned.

Stacy went on to point out, “Jimmy Kimmel Live! has been a tentpole for ABC for over two decades.

It anchors late-night programming, fuels digital and streaming clips, and carries prime ad inventory.

Pulling it has a domino effect: hundreds of staff and crew lose work overnight, advertisers lose a trusted platform, affiliates lose nightly content, and the network itself loses a reliable ratings driver.

For shareholders, the bigger concern is what this signals about stability, regulatory risk, and advertiser confidence.

“So while Jimmy may personally be insulated, the real financial and reputational risk sits with ABC.

One program like this supports an entire business infrastructure, and its sudden pause shows just how much revenue, employment, and cultural presence rests on keeping that show in place.”

Late-night shows like Jimmy Kimmel Live! are much more than just ad revenue streams – they’re tentpoles that support an entire ecosystem for the network.

Stacy concluded, “So while the direct ad revenue is significant – tens of millions annually – the extended value is much larger. These shows are cultural anchors, promotional engines, and revenue stabilizers.

“That’s why networks treat them as strategic tentpoles. Losing one isn’t just about dollars on a balance sheet – it impacts brand identity, advertiser confidence, and long-term audience loyalty.”

Sinclair has a set of demands Jimmy must meet before he returns to ABC(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

When it comes to Jimmy’s comeback, Stacy was positive this wasn’t the end for him.

“Jimmy career isn’t over. What makes this moment stand out is that while late-night hosts have always mixed politics and comedy, the timing of his remarks landed during a period of heightened division.

Similar commentary has been made before by hosts on both sides of the political spectrum, but the current climate likely amplified the reaction,” she explained.

She also noted, “Kimmel’s track record matters here – he’s hosted the Oscars four times, led Jimmy Kimmel Live! for over 20 years and become a fixture in American pop culture.

That credibility gives him a stronger foundation than most.”

However, Stacy stressed, “How he comes back will depend heavily on what ABC decides,” sharing, “This isn’t just about Jimmy – it’s about the hundreds of people working on the series whose paychecks are impacted overnight, the network’s relationship with advertisers, and the way shareholders view financial risk.

Pulling the show right now could be a way for ABC to cool down the situation, avoid potential FCC conflict, or protect stock value.

“Comedy has always leaned into politics – that’s been part of the art form for decades.

The challenge is that today’s environment is so polarized that a comedian is often damned if they do and damned if they don’t.

“In today’s polarized climate, commentary can trigger backlash no matter how it’s framed.

That puts networks, sponsors, and advertisers in the hot seat, too, because their revenue depends on public perception.

“So no, his career isn’t over. But it’s a turning point that will require strategy, patience, and coordination with ABC,” the PR expert added.

Jimmy has yet to speak out on his suspension at the time of writing this article.