FCC to call in Disney stations for early license review in wake of ABC's Jimmy Kimmel controversy
The FCC is moving to conduct an early review of Disney-owned ABC stations' broadcast licenses following controversy over Jimmy Kimmel's 'expectant widow' joke about Melania Trump. The review, initiated under FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, will assess whether the stations serve the public interest, despite licenses not being up for renewal for years. The action follows backlash from President Donald Trump and the first lady, who called for Kimmel's termination. The FCC's move appears to be a broad examination of Disney's programming rather than a direct sanction over the joke itself.
- ▪The FCC plans to accelerate the license renewal review for Disney-owned ABC affiliates amid backlash over Jimmy Kimmel's joke about Melania Trump being an 'expectant widow'.
- ▪FCC Chairman Brendan Carr will require Disney to prove its stations are operating in the public interest, a rare step taken years ahead of scheduled renewals.
- ▪The Trumps publicly condemned Kimmel's remarks, with Melania calling them 'hateful and violent rhetoric' and demanding ABC take action.
- ▪Kimmel defended his comment as a 'light roast' about the Trumps' age difference and denied it was a call for violence.
- ▪This is not the first controversy involving Kimmel, who was briefly suspended by Disney last year over remarks perceived as mocking a political figure's assassination.
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Media FCC to call in Disney stations for early license review in wake of ABC's Jimmy Kimmel controversy Disney-owned ABC affiliates will have to prove they have been operating in the public interest By Brian Flood Fox News Published April 28, 2026 11:23am EDT | Updated April 28, 2026 11:26am EDT Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video Jimmy Kimmel defends expectant widow joke targeting Melania Trump Jimmy Kimmel faces backlash for his expectant widow joke about Melania Trump. Fox News contributor Joe Concha joined Fox & Friends First to discuss his response amid backlash.
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