FCC orders Disney to file for early license renewal after Kimmel clash
The FCC has ordered Disney to file early license renewal applications for its ABC television stations, citing an ongoing investigation into potential violations of the Communications Act and unlawful discrimination, particularly related to diversity, equity, and inclusion practices. The move follows President Trump's call for Jimmy Kimmel to be fired after the comedian made a joke about First Lady Melania Trump. Disney stated it is confident in its compliance with FCC rules and will cooperate through legal channels. The ABC licenses were not due for renewal until between 2028 and 2031.
- ▪The FCC directed Disney to file early license renewals for its ABC stations due to an investigation into possible violations of the Communications Act and anti-discrimination rules.
- ▪The investigation into Disney's diversity, equity, and inclusion practices has been ongoing since March 2025, according to an FCC official.
- ▪President Trump called for Jimmy Kimmel to be fired after Kimmel joked about Melania Trump having 'the glow of an expectant widow' on his April 23 show.
- ▪Disney owns eight ABC stations, including WABC-TV in New York and KABC-TV in Los Angeles, whose licenses were originally set for renewal between 2028 and 2031.
- ▪This marks the second FCC-Disney clash in a year, following ABC's 2025 preemption of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' after criticism of Kimmel's remarks on a conservative activist's death.
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MoneyWatch FCC orders Disney to file for early license renewal after Trump calls for Jimmy Kimmel to be fired .chip { background-image: url('/fly/bundles/cbsnewscore/images/chip-bgd/chip-bgd-moneywatch.jpg'); } By Aimee Picchi Aimee Picchi Associate Managing Editor, MoneyWatch Aimee Picchi is the associate managing editor for CBS MoneyWatch, where she covers business and personal finance. She previously worked at Bloomberg News and has written for national news outlets including USA Today and Consumer Reports. Read Full Bio Aimee Picchi Updated on: April 28, 2026 / 4:45 PM EDT / CBS News Add CBS News on Google The Federal Communications Commission has directed Walt Disney Co.
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