US EditionFCC to review Disney broadcast licenses after Jimmy Kimmel joke about Melania Trump
The agency says the move stems from a DEI probe, while critics call it retaliation after pressure over Jimmy Kimmel’s remarks.
- On Tuesday, the Federal Communications Commission ordered Disney to file early renewal applications for its eight ABC-owned broadcast stations within 30 days, forcing an accelerated review of licenses not scheduled for renewal until 2028.
- Though the FCC cites an ongoing probe into Disney's diversity, equity, and inclusion practices, critics argue the timing reflects President Donald Trump's demand Monday that ABC fire host Jimmy Kimmel over an 'expectant widow' joke.
- Democratic FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez called the order 'unprecedented, unlawful, and going nowhere,' stating it is a 'political stunt.' Legal experts note the FCC has not revoked a broadcast license in more than 40 years.
- Disney likely faces protracted legal battles as analysts suggest the company will cite First Amendment protections against content-based regulatory retaliation, imposing substantial defense costs while creating precedent for government authority over broadcast media.
- The conflict signals an intensifying pressure campaign by the administration against major media outlets; should proceedings advance, the case may reshape regulatory boundaries and press-freedom standards for U.S. broadcasters in coming years.
167 Articles
167 Articles
FCC Orders Early Review of Disney’s ABC Station Licenses
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has ordered an early review of license renewals for Disney’s ABC television stations. The April 28 order is part of the FCC’s ongoing investigation into whether the company and its television stations are following the federal Communications Act of 1934 and the FCC’s rules, including a prohibition on unlawful discrimination, the agency said. “The FCC determines that calling in Disney’s ABC licenses for…
Not Again... Donald Trump's FCC Investigating ABC After Yet Another Jimmy Kimmel Joke Scandal
Here we go again. Just when you thought the drama between late-night TV and the political world couldn’t get any messier, it somehow finds a way to outdo itself. And this time, it’s not just social media outrage or a fiery press statement. Nope. Now we’ve got the Federal Communications Commission stepping in — again — and the stakes suddenly feel a whole lot bigger. Related: Kimmel BLASTS ‘Nut Job Wannabe King’ Donald Trump’s State Of The Union …
Ted Cruz fires warning shot at Trump's FCC
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) isn't happy with the tactics President Donald Trump's Federal Communications Commission chair, Brendan Carr, is using to punish broadcast news networks — and warned that they are becoming "speech police."On Tuesday, the FCC ordered Disney-owned ABC affiliates to file their broad...
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