FCC orders review of ABC licenses after Kimmel joke offends Trump and first lady
Summary
The FCC opened an unusual review of ABC’s broadcast licenses one day after President Trump and the First Lady urged ABC to fire Jimmy Kimmel over a joke. The agency directed Disney to file early renewal applications for ABC stations and signaled that the probe could cover DEI practices and compliance with the Communications Act. Critics argue the move is politically motivated and threatens free speech, while supporters say it enforces public-interest obligations.