The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ordered The Walt Disney Company to file early renewal applications for eight of its ABC television stations on April 28, 2024. This action comes amid an ongoing investigation into potential violations of FCC rules and concerns about the company's diversity, equity, and inclusion practices.
Key Takeaways
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ordered early license reviews for eight Disney-owned ABC television stations amid an ongoing investigation into potential discrimination violations and backlash over a joke by Jimmy Kimmel about Melania Trump.
- Eight Disney-owned ABC stations must file for early renewal of their broadcast licenses, with applications due May 28, 2024.
- The FCC's action follows a year-long probe into Disney's diversity, equity, and inclusion practices and criticism over Kimmel's joke about Melania Trump.
- President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump publicly condemned the joke and called for Kimmel to be fired.
- Critics view the FCC's move as unprecedented regulatory retribution against Disney.
The eight stations affected are located in major cities including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Houston, San Francisco, Raleigh-Durham, and Fresno. These stations were not scheduled for renewal until between 2028 and 2031. The FCC directed Disney to submit license-renewal applications within 30 days, with the deadline set for May 28.
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.
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.
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, 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.
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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