Disney President Signals Trouble for Jimmy Kimmel Live

The Walt Disney Company President Dana Walden Disney President Dana Walden says the future of Jimmy Kimmel Live! is still undecided as ABC weighs the costs of late-night television and the show’s long-term value. Walden addressed the issue last week in an interview with Bloomberg, where she was asked whether Jimmy Kimmel will remain with the Disney-owned network after his current one-year deal ends. “I’m not going to make that announcement here with you today,” Walden said. “The truth is, it’s a very challenging daypart.” Walden praised Kimmel’s recent performance but admitted that higher ratings mean less in a shrinking late-night market. “That’s not to say that Jimmy is not doing a phenomenal job, and his ratings are up,” she said. “But they’re up relative to a smaller audience that’s watching late night on broadcast television.” The Disney executive also said online views do not bring in the same money as traditional television advertising. “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and its host may have a large digital presence, she said, but that “is not a lucrative opportunity for a very premium talk show.” “We’re trying to make sense of the business while also honoring a deep partnership,” Walden...