Story perspectives

FCC Seeks Early Disney ABC Review; Trump Wants Kimmel Fired

4/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Federal Communications Commission ordered Disney’s eight ABC stations to file early license renewals by May 28 2026.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr linked the early review to Disney’s diversity, equity and inclusion investigation.
U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump demanded Disney fire Jimmy Kimmel following his “expectant widow” joke.
Democratic FCC commissioner Anna Gomez called the action unprecedented and unlawful, predicting a years-long legal challenge for Disney.

History

Historical Context

Congress passed the Telecommunications Act of 1996, signed by President Bill Clinton, to deregulate media. Instead, consolidation cut major media firms from about fifty in 1983 to ten by 1996 and to six by 2005. Citing that precedent, the FCC ordered Disney’s eight ABC stations to file early license renewals.

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Story summary

The Federal Communications Commission ordered Disney’s eight ABC stations to file early license renewals by May 28 2026.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr linked the early review to Disney’s diversity, equity and inclusion investigation.
U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump demanded Disney fire Jimmy Kimmel following his “expectant widow” joke.
Democratic FCC commissioner Anna Gomez called the action unprecedented and unlawful, predicting a years-long legal challenge for Disney.

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