With television star Jimmy Kimmel in the final year of his contract as ABC's late-night host, there have been mutterings that this could be his final year in that role. The network has yet to offer him an extension.
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With Kimmel's future at the network still undecided, one radio host warns ABC that electing to move on from Kimmel could come with ramifications.
Stern Warns ABC Over Looming Decision
Howard Stern says that ABC will have "hell to pay," if they decide to move on from the famed TV host.
"I want to say something to ABC if they're watching right now. There is no man more loyal to this company than this guy," the radio host said (via the New York Post)
Stern went on to explain that Kimmel's potential departure from the network would affect much more than the network's ratings. Kimmel is one of the biggest stars in the entertainment industry. And if he leaves, he could take a significant amount of NBC's sponsors with him.
"And what I mean by that is the truth. For years, I've said to him, you know, he goes to these things. ABC has a corporate function where they try to attract advertisers. Every year, he'd go to what they call the upfronts," Stern added.
"He has done everything for the company. And I hope that they keep that in mind," he said. "Oh, my God. I don't know about you, but if something goes wrong, oh, is ABC going to have hell to pay? Am I correct? Are you with me?"
New York Post's Page Six allegedly spoke with a source close to the situation. That source claimed that Kimmel's contract is "not getting renewed" once it expires after this coming May.
However, the network released a statement denying reports that the late-night show is ending.
