Regulatory pressure and political alignment are now influencing programming stability, deal viability, and advertiser confidence one year into Trump's second presidency.

Big media acquisitions and streaming integrations will contribute to consolidation in connected TV (CTV) ad spending.

Jimmy Kimmel’s return to Jimmy Kimmel Live! drew 6.3 million viewers, the show’s strongest 18–49 demo ratings for a regular episode in more than a decade, despite being blacked out on affiliates covering nearly a quarter of US households. His free speech monologue went viral, surpassing 19.7 million YouTube views to become his most-watched segment ever. The moment underscores both the enduring ability of linear TV to deliver tentpole audiences and the necessity of digital distribution to sustain reach. By amplifying his message, tactics to cancel Kimmel ultimately expanded his audience—proving digital video is now essential to late-night relevance.

The news: “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” returned to ABC Tuesday night after a nearly weeklong suspension by ABC and Disney. Kimmel’s return may appear to turn the page on a brief-but-heated conflict for legacy media, but it’s only the beginning. Nexstar and Sinclair have said they will air other programming over the show, cutting it out of local ad revenues. Our take: The responses to Trump administration pressures reflect a media industry that will act quickly to avoid becoming a political target, but one that is also willing to lower its head for business interests.

Nexstar is acquiring Tegna in a $6.2 billion deal that would expand its reach to 265 stations and 39% of US TV households, pending FCC approval. CEO Perry Sook says the merger is essential for competing with Big Tech, while critics warn it could weaken local journalism. The timing comes as regulators signal openness to loosening ownership caps. Local TV ad spending is projected at $17.27 billion in 2025, with broadcast accounting for most of it, but growth lags digital channels. Nexstar is betting that consolidation and scale will help protect broadcast revenue against mounting digital competition.

Although a growing percentage of ad spending around TV content is happening through addressable, programmatic, and connected TV channels, making advertising more accountable, holistic campaign metrics that cut across the linear and digital domains remain elusive.

The TV upfronts look to bounce back in 2021 after a tough year resulting from disruptions wrought by the pandemic.

TV ad spending takes a hit as marketers adjust their budgets amid a recession.