FCC prepares review of Disney’s TV licenses

Key Points:

• The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is considering an early license review of Disney’s broadcast licenses, increasing pressure on the company amid scrutiny from the administration over a controversial late-night monologue by Jimmy Kimmel.
• FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has previously threatened Disney’s licenses, citing concerns about the company’s diversity programs and potential race- and gender-based discrimination, which could affect Disney’s character qualifications to hold a license.
• President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump have publicly demanded Disney fire Jimmy Kimmel following his monologue that insulted the First Lady shortly before an alleged assassination attempt at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
• Disney’s shares dropped about 1% in response to news of the FCC’s potential review, though sources indicate the timing of the review is not directly related to Kimmel’s monologue.
• Neither Disney nor the FCC have provided official comments on the situation, leaving the future of the license review uncertain.