FCC chair denies ABC license review is related to Kimmel controversy
Summary
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr denied that the agency's order for ABC to apply early to renew its TV licenses is punishment for a joke by Jimmy Kimmel. Carr said the decision is linked to an ongoing investigation into Disney and ABC’s diversity and equal employment practices, not outside pressure.Key Facts
- Brendan Carr, appointed by President Donald Trump, is the chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
- The FCC ordered ABC to apply early to renew licenses for eight local TV stations.
- The order followed an FCC probe into Disney and ABC’s diversity and inclusion efforts that began in March 2025.
- The order came one day after President Trump and the First Lady criticized ABC over a joke made by Jimmy Kimmel.
- Carr denied the FCC’s action was politically motivated or related to the Kimmel controversy.
- Some officials and press freedom groups believe the move is a form of punishment against ABC.
- FCC Commissioner Anna M Gomez, appointed by Democrats, called the order a “pretext” and part of harassment by the administration.
- Disney says it is compliant and plans to fight the FCC’s actions, which could take years to resolve while ABC continues to operate normally.
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