FCC Orders Early Review of Disney Broadcast Licenses
The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has initiated an early review of Disney's television broadcast licenses shortly after President Donald Trump called for the dismissal of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel.
President Trump had urged ABC, a Disney subsidiary, to cancel Kimmel's show after the comedian made a joke implying that Melania Trump had the glow of an "expectant widow." This comment was made days before a gunman opened fire at a gala attended by the Trumps.
In an order issued on Tuesday, the FCC stated it was investigating Disney's ABC stations for potential violations, including unlawful discrimination.
The BBC has reached out to Disney, which owns eight television stations, and ABC for comment.
The FCC's order requires Disney to submit license renewal applications for all of their licensed TV stations within 30 days.
As part of the renewal process, the agency may require Disney to demonstrate compliance with the FCC's public-interest standards. Notably, the ABC television station licenses owned by Disney were not due for renewal until 2028.
These reviews could potentially result in the revocation of the stations' broadcast licenses, an action the commission has not taken in over 40 years, according to .
Political Reactions and Criticism
Democratic FCC commissioner Anna M Gomez criticized the FCC's order, describing it as a political maneuver.
This is unprecedented, unlawful, and going nowhere. Companies should challenge it head-on. The First Amendment is on their side.
She posted this statement on X, highlighting her opposition to the FCC's decision.
The move follows ongoing pressure from the White House on ABC to terminate Kimmel's employment. White House Communications Director Steven Cheung stated on Tuesday that Kimmel should be "shunned for the rest of his life."
Kimmel's Response and Context
At the beginning of his Monday night show, Kimmel defended his remarks about the first lady.
It was a very light roast joke about the fact that he's almost 80 and she's younger than I am. It was not by any stretch of the definition a call to assassination.
I've been very vocal for many years speaking out against gun violence in particular,Kimmel added.
Earlier that day, President Trump described Kimmel's late-night sketch as a "call to violence," while Melania Trump accused Kimmel of exacerbating "the political sickness within America."
Incident at Washington Gala
The president and first lady were safely evacuated from a gala dinner on Saturday night after a gunman fired shots near a security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton.
The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, was apprehended by authorities near a staircase leading to a ballroom where the White House Correspondents' dinner was taking place. The event was attended by hundreds of journalists, officials, and public figures. Allen is now charged with attempting to assassinate the president.
Previous Controversies Involving Kimmel
Kimmel was temporarily taken off air last September following comments he made about the fatal shooting of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk.
During a monologue, Kimmel stated that the "Maga gang"—a reference to supporters of President Trump—was attempting to "score political points" from Kirk's murder. His show resumed broadcasting one week later.
FCC Background and Authority
Established in 1934, the FCC was originally responsible for authorizing scarce radio and later television broadcasting frequencies. The commission sets regulations concerning sponsor disclosures, emergency broadcasts, and content standards related to obscenity and decency.
President Trump has previously suggested that television networks providing him with "bad publicity" should have their licenses revoked, raising questions about the administration's authority to enforce such actions.
