Ted Cruz Rips FCC Over ABC Broadcast License Review Following Kimmel Joke
Variety • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Senator Ted Cruz criticized the Republican-controlled FCC for accelerating the renewal process of Disney’s eight ABC-owned local TV stations, viewing it as government overreach potentially linked to a Jimmy Kimmel joke about Melania Trump.
- The FCC cited an ongoing investigation into Disney and ABC’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices as the reason for the early license review, denying any connection to Kimmel’s controversial remarks.
- Cruz, despite being a MAGA loyalist, has previously condemned FCC Chairman Brendan Carr’s tactics against broadcasters, warning that government pressure on speech is unconstitutional and dangerous.
- Disney maintains confidence in its qualifications under the Communications Act and the First Amendment and plans to defend itself through legal channels regarding the FCC’s order.
- Jimmy Kimmel defended his joke as a light roast unrelated to violent rhetoric and called for reducing hateful speech, directing a comment at Melania Trump to address such rhetoric with her husband.
