Walden Shields Details on Kimmel's ABC Future Amid Contract Expiration
Dana Walden, president and chief creative officer of The Walt Disney Company, dodged questions about Jimmy Kimmel's future on ABC.
The speculation surrounds Kimmel's current contract, which runs through May 2027. Bloomberg managing editor Lucas Shaw asked Walden directly if Kimmel would still be hosting his show a year from now. She replied, 'I'm certainly not going to make that announcement with you here today.'
Walden referred the question to Disney Entertainment television chief Casey Bloys, saying she was letting him make the news.
Shaw pressed Walden on why keeping Kimmel wasn't a 'no-brainer' given his rising ratings and reputation as a 'free speech hero.' Walden pointed out that late-night television is a challenging daypart, with lower audiences and revenue compared to other TV shows. She added that Disney was trying to reconcile its business pressures with its long relationship with Kimmel.
The comments come amid renewed speculation over whether Jimmy Kimmel Live! will continue beyond Kimmel's current deal.