The FCC ordered an accelerated review of ABC's local station broadcast licenses on April 28, calling in Disney's ABC licenses for early renewal while it investigates the network under the agency's public interest standard. [1]
The agency said the review will examine whether ABC stations violated FCC rules meant to prevent unlawful discrimination related to ABC's diversity, equity and inclusion policies. ABC's local station licenses had been set to come up for renewal between 2028 and 2031, with renewals normally due every 8 years. [1]
The order followed public criticism of ABC by President Trump and first lady Melania Trump over a Jimmy Kimmel joke. Kimmel last week joked that Melania Trump was an "expectant widow," then said on Monday that he was referring to the age gap between the president and the first lady. [1]
Press freedom experts said such probes can be used to pressure networks that air material the president dislikes. The FCC's action came on Tuesday, according to the timeline in the report. [1]
The commission has said it is reviewing ABC's licenses early as part of its public interest review, with the outcome to shape whether the stations keep operating under their current renewal schedule. [1]
