Story perspectives

FCC Reviews ABC Licenses After White House Kimmel Outcry

4/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) began license reviews of eight ABC stations after the White House demanded action over Jimmy Kimmel’s joke.
White House communications director Steven Cheung called the joke a “call to violence,” while U.S. President Donald Trump demanded Jimmy Kimmel’s firing.
Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro must decide response, with board chair James Gorman saying board will guide decision.
The FCC review could revoke licenses for the eight ABC stations.

History

Historical Context

In 1969 the Supreme Court unanimously (9-0) upheld the FCC’s Fairness Doctrine in Red Lion Broadcasting Co. v. FCC, with Justice Byron White writing that scarce broadcast frequencies justify limited First Amendment restrictions. The ruling affirmed the FCC’s authority to require contrasting viewpoints, a precedent now invoked as the White House seeks to revoke ABC stations’ licenses.

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Story summary

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) began license reviews of eight ABC stations after the White House demanded action over Jimmy Kimmel’s joke.
White House communications director Steven Cheung called the joke a “call to violence,” while U.S. President Donald Trump demanded Jimmy Kimmel’s firing.
Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro must decide response, with board chair James Gorman saying board will guide decision.
The FCC review could revoke licenses for the eight ABC stations.

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