The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ordered Disney to file early renewal applications for eight ABC television stations on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. The action follows an ongoing investigation into possible violations of FCC rules and concerns about the company's diversity, equity, and inclusion practices.
Key Takeaways
The FCC has ordered Disney to file early renewal applications for eight ABC television stations amid an investigation into potential discrimination violations. This move follows criticism of a joke made by Jimmy Kimmel about Melania Trump and comes as part of broader scrutiny over Disney's diversity practices.
- The FCC directed Disney to submit license-renewal applications within 30 days, despite renewals not being due until between 2028 and 2031.
- The action is seen by some critics as politically motivated regulatory retribution against Disney.
- Jimmy Kimmel's joke about Melania Trump has drawn significant backlash from the Trumps and their supporters.
- Disney maintains that its stations operate within FCC guidelines and serve the public interest.
According to multiple sources, the FCC directed Disney to submit license-renewal applications for all its licensed TV stations within 30 days. These stations were not scheduled for renewal until between 2028 and 2031. The order comes amid an investigation into potential unlawful discrimination by Disney's ABC stations.
The review was prompted, in part, by a joke made by late-night host Jimmy Kimmel about Melania Trump. President Donald Trump called for Kimmel to be fired after the comedian described Mrs. Trump as having 'the glow of an expectant widow' days before a gunman fired shots at a gala attended by the Trumps.
Critics see the FCC's move as politically motivated regulatory retribution against Disney, with some describing it as unprecedented. The eight stations targeted are located in major cities including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Houston, San Francisco, Raleigh-Durham, and Fresno. According to Reuters, the FCC has not revoked a broadcast TV station license in more than 40 years.
A Disney spokesperson stated that ABC and its stations operate within FCC guidelines and serve the public interest. The company must file for renewals by May 28, 2024, as per the FCC's letter. Kimmel has addressed the backlash over his joke, stating it was a comment about the age difference between Melania Trump and President Donald Trump.
FCC Chair Brendan Carr criticized Disney's diversity, equity, and inclusion policies during a podcast appearance hosted by Katie Miller. Carr emphasized that the FCC can accelerate license reviews when significant concerns arise regarding public interest compliance. He did not specifically mention Jimmy Kimmel Live! but highlighted potential actions against broadcasters failing to meet regulatory standards.
First lady Melania Trump and President Donald Trump have publicly condemned Kimmel's joke, with Mrs. Trump calling it 'hateful and violent' on X (formerly Twitter). She urged ABC to take action against the comedian. President Trump also demanded that ABC fire Kimmel, describing his comments as a 'call to violence.'
Kimmel responded during his show, defending the joke as a light-hearted remark about age differences rather than an incitement to violence. He further criticized President Trump's rhetoric, suggesting it contributes more significantly to political division.
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