The FCC has launched an early review of the broadcast TV licenses owned by Disney after recent comments made by Jimmy Kimmel drew the ire of President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump.
The commission has called for an early renewal of the eight licenses owned by Disney. That comes after the FCC has previously opened two investigations into Disney. One for its DEI practices that was opened last year. The other was for an appearance by James Talarico, which raised questions about whether The View broke equal time rules in its interview with the Texas Senate candidate.
In a letter to Disney, the commission states that the company must file its license renewals for its owned-and-operated TV stations by May 28th, 2026.
Those licenses were not up for renewal until 2028.
Following the revelation of the action, FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez shared her displeasure with the situation.
“This is unprecedented, unlawful, and going nowhere,” Gomez said in a statement. “It is a political stunt and it won’t stick. Companies should challenge it head-on. The First Amendment is on their side.”
The move follows recent comments by Jimmy Kimmel Live! host Jimmy Kimmel, who has drawn sharp criticism from the White House.
During a mock White House Correspondents’ Dinner roast last week, Kimmel said First Lady Melania Trump had the “glow of an expectant widow.” The joke drew widespread backlash after Saturday’s shooting at the actual White House Correspondents’ Dinner, which took place two days later. The Trump family has called for Kimmel’s firing following the comments.
Currently, there are eight ABC-owned stations. They include:
- KABC-TV (Los Angeles)
- KFSN-TV (Fresno)
- KGO-TV (San Francisco)
- KTRK-TV (Houston)
- WABC-TV (New York)
- WLS-TV (Chicago)
- WPVI-TV (Philadelphia)
- WTVD-TV (Raleigh)
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