The Federal Communications Commission has launched an early review of Disney's broadcast television licenses, a move the company is calling unlawful and that at least one commissioner is describing as a political stunt.
The review was announced one day after President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump publicly called for late-night host Jimmy Kimmel to be fired from ABC. The FCC did not cite Kimmel by name in its letter, according to The Hollywood Reporter, which reviewed the document. Instead, the FCC cited its public interest standard and referenced two existing investigations into Disney and ABC: one involving the company's diversity, equity, and inclusion practices, and another into The View stemming from an appearance by Texas Senate candidate James Talarico.
Disney owns eight local television stations, including WBAC in New York and KABC in Los Angeles. Their licenses were not due for renewal until 2028. Under the new order, Disney must file renewals by May 28, 2026.
"The FCC has been investigating The Walt Disney Company, its American Broadcasting Company, and its subsidiaries for compliance with its obligations as a licensed broadcaster," the letter states, citing possible violations of the Communications Act of 1934 and the FCC's prohibition on unlawful discrimination.
Disney pushed back quickly. "ABC and its stations have a long record of operating in full compliance with FCC rules and serving their local communities with trusted news, emergency information, and public-interest programming," a company spokesperson said. "We are confident that record demonstrates our continued qualifications as licensees under the Communications Act and the First Amendment and are prepared to show that through the appropriate legal channels."
Democratic FCC commissioner Anna Gomez was more pointed. "This is unprecedented, unlawful, and going nowhere," she said in a statement. "It is a political stunt and it won't stick. Companies should challenge it head-on. The First Amendment is on their side."
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has said for months that early license review is a tool the commission can use, and that he expected legal action between the FCC and at least one network before the year was out. On the same day the Disney review was announced, the FCC also opened an early license review of Bridge News, LLC, also citing the public interest standard.
Disney has until May 28 to file its renewals, setting up what is likely to be a legal fight between the company and federal regulators.
