Disney president says Jimmy Kimmel's good YouTube numbers don't really matter in the long run

For almost a year, discussions have centered around the economics of late-night talk television. Late-night programs, which feature extensive writing teams and pay their hosts generous salaries, are costly ventures, according to industry executives. However, reports indicate a significant decline in ad revenue for late-night shows over recent years.

When confronted about the future of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Disney President Dana Walden avoided a definitive answer, stating, "I’m certainly not gonna make that announcement with you here today. The truth is, it’s a very challenging day part, late night."

The impending negotiations between ABC and Kimmel may include a request for substantial budget reductions, estimated at around 20% of the show's current operating expenses. This potential cut is set against the backdrop of various factors influencing the show's prospects, including political and personal dynamics. Kimmel has been a vocal critic of the Trump administration and shares a close relationship with ABC executives, which Walden describes as a "great friendship."

An intriguing aspect of the conversation is the role of Kimmel's highly successful YouTube channel, which boasts 22.3 million subscribers. While Walden acknowledged its existence, she emphasized that it is not a financially lucrative avenue for a premium talk show. Despite Kimmel's recent rating improvements, which have increased relative to the smaller audience watching late-night programs on broadcast television, the show's ad spending has reportedly plummeted by 50% since 2018.