FCC Orders Disney’s ABC to File for Early Broadcast License Renewals Amid Controversy
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has directed The Walt Disney Company, owner of ABC, to apply for early renewal of broadcast licenses for its eight television stations. This decision comes amid a public dispute involving late-night comedian Jimmy Kimmel and reactions from the Trump administration.
First Lady Melania Trump expressed disapproval over a joke made by Kimmel about her, which led to President Trump demanding Kimmel’s dismissal through a social media post. The FCC’s action follows these developments, with Chair Brendan Carr openly criticizing Disney’s practices on a podcast hosted by Katie Miller, spouse of White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller.
Discussing the FCC’s approach to broadcast licenses, Carr stated, “You can accelerate when a license comes due and say, ‘hey, we have significant concerns with the value of conducting your operations. We want to review your license now and decide if you’re in the public interest.'” He further criticized Disney’s diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, although he did not mention Jimmy Kimmel Live! specifically.
This FCC move was prompted by a segment on Kimmel’s show featuring a mock speech for an alternative White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Kimmel quipped about the First Lady, saying, “Our first lady Melania is here. So beautiful. Mrs. Trump, you have a glow like an expectant widow.” The joke aired just days before a security incident at the actual dinner, where a man, Cole Allen, was charged with attempting to assassinate President Trump. More details on this case are available in the full report.
Melania Trump called the joke “hateful and violent” in a post on X, urging ABC to respond. Kimmel defended the joke as a “light roast” and emphasized his long-standing advocacy against gun violence.
Historically, Kimmel, ABC, and Disney have faced opposition from the Trump administration. In a prior incident, Kimmel’s show was temporarily suspended after he criticized the “MAGA gang,” leading to backlash from conservatives and a warning from Carr about potential FCC action against ABC affiliates. The suspension was lifted after public outcry, including from figures like Senator Ted Cruz.
The FCC’s current order mandates Disney and ABC to submit a license renewal application within 30 days, despite the licenses not being due until 2028. Disney asserts its compliance with FCC regulations, expressing confidence in its eligibility to retain broadcast licenses.
This order has attracted criticism, particularly from Democrats in Washington, who view it as a threat to press freedom. Senator Elizabeth Warren commented, “The FCC has just pulled out a sword to hang over every single news organization in America.” Similarly, FCC Commissioner Anna M. Gomez labeled the action as a significant First Amendment violation, indicating it as a response to the White House’s call for censorship.
First Amendment advocates, including Andrew J. Schwartzman, denounce the FCC’s actions as intimidation tactics. Schwartzman, representing a group of former FCC chairs and the Radio Television Digital News Association, is challenging the FCC’s News Distortion policy in court.
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