The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has ordered an early review of eight local broadcasting licences held by ABC, a move critics view as political retribution following a joke by late-night host Jimmy Kimmel about Melania Trump. The acceleration means the stations must apply for renewal by 28 May, years ahead of schedule.
The decision comes after the White House attacked Kimmel over a segment in which he said the first lady had “a glow like an expectant widow”. Donald Trump subsequently called for Kimmel to be fired. The FCC, led by Trump-appointed chair Brendan Carr, has linked the early renewal to an investigation into diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices at Disney, ABC’s parent company.
In a memo, FCC official David J Brown stated that early renewal allows the agency to conduct its ongoing investigation and ensure broadcasters meet public interest obligations. Carr told a conservative podcast that evidence suggested Disney had been “dividing and categorising employees based on race and gender” and potentially giving different opportunities.
Democrat FCC commissioner Anna M Gomez decried the move as “unprecedented, unlawful, and going nowhere”. A Disney spokesperson expressed confidence that ABC stations operate in full compliance with FCC rules and are prepared to demonstrate their qualifications through legal channels.
The eight stations affected are: WABC-TV New York, KABC-TV Los Angeles, WLS-TV Chicago, WPVI-TV Philadelphia, KTRK-TV Houston, KGO-TV San Francisco, WTVD-TV Raleigh-Durham, and KFSN-TV Fresno. They were originally not due for renewal until between 2028 and 2031.
