Story perspectives

FCC Orders Disney Reapply for Eight ABC Stations, Trump-linked

4/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ordered Disney to file applications for eight ABC stations by May 28, 2026.
Order follows President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump’s call to fire Jimmy Kimmel and is tied to Disney diversity, equity and inclusion investigation per FCC Chairman Brendan Carr.
Democratic commissioner Anna M. Gomez called the move unprecedented, unlawful, noting Disney’s claim that its ABC stations have compliance records and will defend qualifications.

History

Historical Context

The 1934 Communications Act created the FCC to oversee telephone and broadcast services. In 1996 President Bill Clinton signed the Telecommunications Act, easing ownership limits and adding the Internet; critics say it reduced major media owners from about fifty in 1983 to ten by 1996, increasing consolidation. Now FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has ordered Disney to file ABC station applications by May 2026.

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Story summary

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ordered Disney to file applications for eight ABC stations by May 28, 2026.
Order follows President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump’s call to fire Jimmy Kimmel and is tied to Disney diversity, equity and inclusion investigation per FCC Chairman Brendan Carr.
Democratic commissioner Anna M. Gomez called the move unprecedented, unlawful, noting Disney’s claim that its ABC stations have compliance records and will defend qualifications.

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