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ABC Claims FCC Retaliation Over Trump-Angered Kimmel Joke

7/31/2026

Summary

Story summary

ABC accuses Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of retaliation after it ordered renewal for eight stations.
FCC Chair Brendan Carr opened the review citing ABC policies after a Jimmy Kimmel joke angered President Donald Trump.
ABC’s lawyers say the expedited renewal is unprecedented, violates the First Amendment, and exceeds FCC authority.
Groups have filed petitions to block the renewals, requiring ABC to answer by 5 August before the FCC can act.

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Story summary

ABC accuses Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of retaliation after it ordered renewal for eight stations.
FCC Chair Brendan Carr opened the review citing ABC policies after a Jimmy Kimmel joke angered President Donald Trump.
ABC’s lawyers say the expedited renewal is unprecedented, violates the First Amendment, and exceeds FCC authority.
Groups have filed petitions to block the renewals, requiring ABC to answer by 5 August before the FCC can act.