Story perspectives

FCC Reviews Disney ABC Licenses After Kimmel First Lady Joke

4/29/2026

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Summary

Story summary

FCC ordered a review of Disney’s ABC licenses after a late-night joke about the first lady.
FCC required Disney to file renewal applications for its eight ABC stations by May 28, 2026, citing a probe into its diversity, equity and inclusion practices and alleged discrimination.
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump demanded ABC fire Jimmy Kimmel, while FCC commissioner Anna Gomez called it a stunt and urged First-Amendment challenges.

History

Historical Context

The 1978 Supreme Court’s 5-4 ruling in FCC v. Pacifica Foundation upheld the commission’s authority after a $2,500 fine for Pacifica’s broadcast of George Carlin’s “Filthy Words” monologue, establishing actionable indecency for radio and TV. Decades later, the FCC has again exercised that power, ordering Disney’s ABC stations to reapply for licenses amid political complaints about on-air jokes.

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Story summary

FCC ordered a review of Disney’s ABC licenses after a late-night joke about the first lady.
FCC required Disney to file renewal applications for its eight ABC stations by May 28, 2026, citing a probe into its diversity, equity and inclusion practices and alleged discrimination.
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump demanded ABC fire Jimmy Kimmel, while FCC commissioner Anna Gomez called it a stunt and urged First-Amendment challenges.

1 / 2