The Federal Communications Commission directed Walt Disney Co. to file early license renewals for ABC stations, citing an investigation into diversity practices, a day after President Trump called for Jimmy Kimmel's firing.
8:46 PM
The Federal Communications Commission has ordered Walt Disney Co. to file early license renewal applications for its ABC television stations, citing an ongoing investigation into the company's diversity, equity and inclusion practices.
The order, issued Tuesday, directs Disney to submit license renewals for all ABC-owned stations by May 28. Disney's broadcast licenses were not previously scheduled for renewal until 2028, according to reports.
The FCC said in its order that it is investigating ABC stations for "possible violations" of the Communications Act of 1934 and the agency's prohibition on unlawful discrimination. An FCC official told CBS News that the order is related to the agency's investigation into Disney's diversity, equity and inclusion practices, which has been ongoing since March 2025.
The move comes one day after President Donald Trump called on Disney to fire late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel. Trump's demand followed remarks Kimmel made about Melania Trump in a skit, in which he called her an "expectant widow" ahead of an alleged assassination attempt at the White House Correspondents' Dinner.
On Monday, Melania Trump criticized Kimmel for his "hateful and violent rhetoric." White House Communications Director Steven Cheung urged ABC to fire the comedian. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has previously stated he will investigate Disney policies around diversity, equity and inclusion, according to reporting.
Disney controls ABC stations in eight major markets, including Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Houston, and Philadelphia.
The FCC has the authority to call broadcast licenses in for early renewal as part of its investigative process. According to reporting, it is extremely difficult for the government to take away stations' broadcast rights.
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