The problem is illustrated in the DC market.
Yes, if Sinclair preempts Kimmel, another DC market station arguably could seek to carry it. But here's the problem: media consolidation.
The other stations in the DC market are an NBC affiliate, owned by NBC, which already has Fallon on the Kimmel time slot and may not be interested in picking up Kimmel. A CBS affiliate, owned by Tegna, which is seeking to merge with Nexstar. A Fox affiliate, owned by Fox -- not going to be picking up Kimmel. And there are two "independent" -- non-network affiliated -- stations. One, channel 20, is owned by Fox. The other, channel 50, is owned by Nexstar.
So, not likely to find Kimmel on another DC broadcast station.
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