Story perspectives

FCC Accelerates ABC Licenses; Trump Demands Kimmel Fired

4/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Federal Communications Commission accelerated early license renewal for eight Disney-owned ABC stations after Jimmy Kimmel’s “expectant widow” joke.
Democratic commissioner Anna M. Gomez called the FCC’s action a political stunt.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said the early review is within the commission’s authority to evaluate public-interest compliance.
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump demanded Kimmel be fired, calling his remarks hateful and violent.

History

Historical Context

In 2004 the FCC fined CBS $550,000 after Janet Jackson’s halftime “wardrobe malfunction” with Justin Timberlake, prompting Commissioner Michael J. Copps to warn of possible congressional scrutiny and tighter broadcast policies. The episode created a precedent that FCC Chair Brendan Carr now cites while accelerating license reviews of Disney-owned ABC stations amid political backlash to Jimmy Kimmel’s joke.

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Story summary

The Federal Communications Commission accelerated early license renewal for eight Disney-owned ABC stations after Jimmy Kimmel’s “expectant widow” joke.
Democratic commissioner Anna M. Gomez called the FCC’s action a political stunt.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said the early review is within the commission’s authority to evaluate public-interest compliance.
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump demanded Kimmel be fired, calling his remarks hateful and violent.

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