ABC Expected to Announce Kimmel Show

Comedian Jimmy Kimmel will launch a late-night talk show on ABC in January, the network is expected to announce today, a move that would spell the end of “Politically Incorrect With Bill Maher.”

ABC is said to be negotiating with Maher and his representatives as to when “Politically Incorrect,” which airs weeknights at 12:05 a.m. after “Nightline,” will leave the air.

Although Maher’s show is under contract through the end of the year, it isn’t expected to last beyond the summer. At that point, ABC, a unit of Walt Disney Co., could extend “Nightline” to an hour, eventually airing Kimmel’s show at 12:30 a.m., or give the comedian Maher’s current time slot.

Kimmel will be introduced as ABC unveils its new fall prime-time schedule at the annual “advertising upfront” presentations in New York.

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Paul Brownfield