FCC to review Disney broadcast licenses after Jimmy Kimmel joke about Melania Trump

Key Points:

• The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has ordered an early review of Disney's ABC television broadcast licenses following President Trump's call to fire late-night host Jimmy Kimmel over a controversial joke about Melania Trump.
• The FCC's order requires Disney to file license-renewal applications within 30 days, despite the licenses not being due for renewal until 2028, and the review could potentially lead to license revocation, a rare action not taken in over 40 years.
• The move comes amid ongoing White House pressure on ABC to fire Kimmel, who defended his remarks as a light roast and denied any call to violence, while the Trump administration criticized the comedian for deepening political tensions.
• The license review is seen by experts as an unprecedented and politically motivated action, with legal analysts doubting Disney will lose its licenses due to the high burden of proof required for violations.
• The controversy follows a recent shooting incident near a gala attended by the Trumps, where the suspect is charged with attempting to assassinate the president, intensifying the political and media tensions surrounding the issue.