FCC Initiates Early Review of ABC Broadcast Licenses Following Kimmel's Joke About First Lady
The Federal Communications Commission has ordered an early review of Disney's ABC broadcast licenses after late-night host Jimmy Kimmel's joke about First Lady Melania Trump sparked controversy.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has initiated an early review of Disney's ABC broadcast licenses, a move that follows recent criticism from President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump over a joke made by late-night host Jimmy Kimmel.
Kimmel, during a segment on his show, referred to the First Lady as having "the glow of an expectant widow," a remark that drew strong reactions from the White House.
In response, the FCC, led by Chairman Brendan Carr, has ordered Disney to file for early renewal applications for its eight ABC-owned television stations. These stations, located in major markets including New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, were originally scheduled for license renewals between 2028 and 2031.
The FCC's order cites an ongoing investigation into potential violations of the Communications Act of 1934 and the agency's rules, including prohibitions on unlawful discrimination.
A Disney spokesperson stated, "ABC and its stations have a long record of operating in full compliance with FCC rules and serving their local communities with trusted news, emergency information, and public-interest programming."
Anna Gomez, the sole Democratic commissioner on the FCC, criticized the decision, calling it "unprecedented, unlawful, and going nowhere." She urged companies to challenge the order, emphasizing that "the First Amendment is on their side."
Legal experts suggest that while the FCC has the authority to review broadcast licenses, revoking them is exceedingly rare and would likely face significant legal challenges.
Kimmel defended his remarks, stating, "It was a very light roast joke about the fact that he's almost 80 and she's younger than I am. It was not by any stretch of the definition a call to assassination."
The situation underscores ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and media outlets, raising concerns about potential government overreach and the implications for free speech and press freedom.