FCC Accelerates ABC License Review Amid Kimmel Controversy

On April 28, 2026 FCC’s Media Bureau ordered Disney to file renewal applications for its eight ABC-owned local TV stations within 30 days, citing a 2024 investigation into the company’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices. Order, issued by Chairman Brendan Carr, follows prior warnings that DEI policies could trigger “news distortion” probes. Stations normally renew between 2028 and 2031, but FCC set a May 28, 2026 filing deadline.

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• April 27 – Jimmy Kimmel jokes that First Lady Melania Trump looks like an “expectant widow.”

Deadline Hollywood

• April 27 – Melania Trump posts criticism on X; Donald Trump calls for Kimmel’s firing.

Deadline Hollywood

• April 28 – FCC issues review order for ABC stations, citing the DEI probe.

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The case tests whether the FCC can link licensing to disputes, raising concerns about a chilling effect on speech. Critics argue that conditioning licenses on DEI compliance after the controversy may constitute unconstitutional coercion.

The Wrap

Sen. Ted Cruz said government should not act as “speech police” and called the FCC’s action unconstitutional coercion. An FCC spokesperson said the order is based on DEI probe, not Kimmel joke. Disney’s spokesperson expressed confidence in its compliance and said it will defend its position. Kimmel called his monologue a “light roast” and denied a call for violence. Donald Trump and Melania Trump demanded Kimmel’s removal, calling remarks hateful.

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Cruz and Republican lawmakers described the FCC’s action as an overreach that threatens Amendment freedoms. Cruz likened Chairman Carr’s tactics to a “mafioso” threat and warned that government pressure on broadcasters sets a dangerous precedent.

The Wrap

The FCC says the order is based on DEI compliance, yet it was issued one day after Kimmel’s joke, suggesting political motivation. No specific DEI violations have been disclosed, leaving the investigation’s focus unclear.

Variety Magazine

• “It is not government’s job to censor speech, and I do not believe the FCC should operate as the speech police,” — Ted Cruz, U.S. Senator (TX)

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• “Government officials threatening adverse consequences for disfavored content is an unconstitutional coercion that chills protected speech,” — Ted Cruz, U.S. Senator (TX)

The Wrap

• “As the agency decision makes clear, the early renewal order is based on a long-running FCC investigation into Disney’s DEI conduct, not any speech.” — FCC spokesperson

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• “We are confident that record demonstrates our continued qualifications as licensees under the Communications Act and the First Amendment and are prepared to show that through the appropriate legal channels.” — Disney spokesperson

Deadline Hollywood

Disney says it will contest the FCC’s order in court. The DEI investigation remains open, and congressional oversight hearings on the agency’s licensing authority are expected in the coming months.

Variety Magazine