FCC Accelerates Review of Disney's ABC Station Licenses
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has ordered an accelerated review of broadcast licenses held by ABC's owned television stations, moving up renewal deadlines from 2028 and 2031 to May 28, 2026. The Walt Disney Co., led by Josh D'Amaro, responded by stating its stations have a long record of compliance with FCC rules and First Amendment protections. The review follows a controversy involving Jimmy Kimmel's joke about Melania Trump on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, which the first lady condemned online. President Donald Trump subsequently called for ABC to fire Kimmel. The FCC, under Chairman Brendan Carr, has also been investigating Disney's diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Disney expressed confidence in its qualifications as licensees under the Communications Act.
Key facts
- FCC ordered accelerated license renewal review for ABC's owned TV stations.
- Original renewal deadlines were 2028 and 2031; now Disney must file by May 28, 2026.
- Disney responded stating compliance with FCC rules and First Amendment.
- Controversy stems from Jimmy Kimmel's joke referring to Melania Trump as 'expectant widow'.
- Melania Trump condemned the joke online; Donald Trump called for Kimmel's firing.
- FCC Chairman Brendan Carr previously investigated Disney's DEI programs.
- Jimmy Kimmel Live! continues airing as usual.
- Disney has 8 local ABC stations affected by the review.
Entities
Artists
- Jimmy Kimmel
- Melania Trump
- Donald Trump
- Brendan Carr
- Josh D'Amaro
- Charlie Kirk
- Oz Pearlman
Institutions
- Federal Communications Commission
- The Walt Disney Co.
- ABC
- Jimmy Kimmel Live!
- White House Correspondents' Association
- Disney
- BBC
- White House
- University of Southern California Gould School of Law
Locations
- United States
- Washington Hilton
- Washington, D.C.