This ABC Showdown Is Different
The FCC has initiated an early review of ABC's broadcast licenses amid renewed pressure following a Jimmy Kimmel joke criticized by the president and first lady, marking a shift from past threats to active regulatory action. Unlike in September, when ABC briefly suspended Kimmel under pressure, Disney now appears less inclined to comply, potentially setting up a legal confrontation. The FCC claims the review is part of an investigation into Disney’s diversity, equity, and inclusion practices, not retaliation over speech, though the timing raises questions.
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The Atlantic DailyThis ABC Showdown Is DifferentThe network is now in a stronger position to defend itself against the FCC.By Will GottsegenCarrie Schreck / ReduxApril 29, 2026, 6:47 PM ET ShareSave This is an edition of The Atlantic Daily, a newsletter that guides you through the biggest stories of the day, helps you discover new ideas, and recommends the best in culture. Sign up for it here.In September, FCC Chair Brendan Carr dangled a simple threat: Either ABC would “take action” against Jimmy Kimmel, or there would be consequences. The network promptly gave in—“Great News,” President Trump wrote at the time—suspending Kimmel’s late-night show only to reinstate it a few days later amid public backlash.
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