FCC chair denies ABC license review is related to Kimmel controversy

Key Points:

• FCC Chairman Brendan Carr denied that the agency is punishing ABC by forcing early license renewal applications for its local TV stations, attributing the decision to an ongoing investigation into Disney and ABC's diversity and inclusion practices initiated in March 2025.
• The order came shortly after a controversial joke by Jimmy Kimmel about Melania Trump, which led to calls from the president and first lady for Kimmel's firing; however, Carr insisted the FCC acted independently without external pressure.
• The decision has drawn criticism from industry groups, Republican Senator Ted Cruz, and press freedom organizations, with Democratic FCC Commissioner Anna M Gomez calling the move a pretext for harassment aimed at influencing Disney.
• Carr acknowledged backlash over his leadership but emphasized the FCC's commitment to enforcing broadcasters' obligations, including equal employment opportunity rules, while Gomez warned the order could set a chilling precedent for other broadcasters.
• Disney has defended its compliance, and Gomez predicted the license renewal process could take years, during which ABC's stations would continue normal operations; she expressed confidence that Disney would ultimately prevail if it challenges the FCC's action.