The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has instructed The Walt Disney Company to submit early license renewal applications for its ABC-owned television stations due to an ongoing investigation into possible violations of federal communications laws.
The order came shortly after former President Donald Trump publicly called for Disney to fire comedian Jimmy Kimmel following controversial remarks Kimmel made about the First Lady during a late-night show. However, the FCC tied the license renewal directive specifically to a probe over Disney’s diversity, equity, and inclusion practices and potential breaches of the Communications Act of 1934 and prohibited unlawful discrimination.
FCC investigation and Disney’s response
An FCC official confirmed that the directive is connected to an investigation initiated in March 2025 concerning ABC’s adherence to the agency’s rules. Disney owns eight ABC television stations across major markets, including WABC-TV in New York and KABC-TV in Los Angeles. These licenses were originally set for renewal between 2028 and 2031.
Disney acknowledged receipt of the FCC order and emphasized its long compliance history. A company spokesperson stated, “ABC and its stations have a long record of operating in full compliance with FCC rules and serving their local communities with trusted news, emergency information, and public‑interest programming.” The spokesperson also affirmed Disney’s intention to demonstrate continued qualification under the Communications Act and the First Amendment through appropriate legal channels.
Context of the dispute with Kimmel and Trump
The FCC’s order followed a public dispute sparked by Kimmel’s joke on April 23 in which he mocked the First Lady’s appearance, referencing the couple’s age difference. This led to calls from Donald and Melania Trump for ABC to terminate Kimmel’s contract. Kimmel later defended his remarks as a “light roast joke” and affirmed his First Amendment rights.
This is not the first time the FCC and Disney have clashed over Kimmel’s content. In September 2025, ABC preempted “Jimmy Kimmel Live” after his critical comments regarding the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr condemned Kimmel’s remarks at that time and suggested a possible pathway toward license suspension.
Legal and regulatory implications
Media law experts note the FCC cannot revoke broadcast licenses based solely on political viewpoints expressed on air. Jameel Jaffer, executive director of the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University, told CBS News, “The FCC doesn’t have the authority to cancel broadcasters’ licenses because of their perceived political views.”
Why it matters
The FCC’s action to accelerate Disney’s license renewal process signals increased regulatory scrutiny over major media companies’ operational practices, particularly within diversity and inclusion frameworks. It also illustrates the complex intersection of political controversies, broadcast regulation, and First Amendment protections in the current media landscape.
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Sources
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