Could the FCC really yank ABC's TV licenses amid Trump spat with Kimmel?
The FCC has ordered an early review of ABC's broadcast licenses as part of an ongoing investigation into Disney's diversity, equity, and inclusion practices, sparking speculation about political motivations. The move comes shortly after President Trump called for Jimmy Kimmel's firing following a joke on his ABC talk show that offended Trump and his wife. Legal experts suggest the timing is suspicious and could indicate pressure on Disney, though the FCC emphasizes its focus on compliance with anti-discrimination rules.
- ▪The FCC launched its investigation into Disney's DEI practices in March 2025, alleging race-based hiring and segregated work environments.
- ▪ABC owns eight TV stations, including WABC-TV in New York and KABC-TV in Los Angeles, all now subject to early license renewal review.
- ▪The FCC's order for early renewal came the day after President Trump publicly demanded Jimmy Kimmel be fired over a controversial joke.
- ▪FCC Chairman Brendan Carr cited potential violations of equal employment opportunity obligations but did not directly link the review to Kimmel's comments.
- ▪Broadcast license renewals are rarely denied, with only a few historical precedents such as the 1975 denial involving politically biased coverage.
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MoneyWatch Could the FCC yank ABC's TV licenses amid Trump spat with Kimmel? .chip { background-image: url('/fly/bundles/cbsnewscore/images/chip-bgd/chip-bgd-moneywatch.jpg'); } By Mary Cunningham Mary Cunningham Reporter, MoneyWatch Mary Cunningham is a reporter for CBS MoneyWatch. She previously worked at "60 Minutes," CBSNews.com and CBS News 24/7 as part of the CBS News Associate Program. Read Full Bio Mary Cunningham May 1, 2026 / 5:00 AM EDT / CBS News Add CBS News on Google The Federal Communications Commission would face major obstacles in stripping Disney of broadcast licenses for its ABC television stations, according to legal experts.The FCC on Tuesday ordered an early review of the ABC licenses, saying it is investigating the network as part of its ongoing probe into Disney's…
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