The Federal Communications Commission has ordered an early review of Disney television broadcast licences, days after Donald Trump publicly called for the dismissal of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel.
Trump had urged ABC, owned by Disney, to cancel Kimmel’s programme after the comedian joked that Melania Trump had the glow of an “expectant widow”. The remarks were made shortly before a gunman opened fire near a gala attended by the Trumps in Washington.
In its order, the FCC said it had already been investigating ABC-owned stations for possible regulatory breaches, including allegations of unlawful discrimination.
A spokesperson for Disney said ABC and its local stations continue to operate within FCC guidelines, adding that the network has a long record of serving communities through trusted news, emergency information and public-interest programming.
The regulator has instructed Disney to submit licence-renewal applications for all of its licensed television stations within 30 days, despite the licences not being due for renewal until 2028.
As part of the review, Disney may be required to demonstrate that its stations meet the commission’s public-interest standards. In theory, the process could lead to licence revocations, though such action has not been taken in more than four decades.
Democratic FCC commissioner Anna M Gomez sharply criticised the decision, calling it a political stunt and saying the move was unprecedented and unlawful.
The White House has continued to increase pressure on ABC over Kimmel. Communications director Steven Cheung said the presenter should be “shunned for the rest of his life”.
Kimmel, speaking on his programme, defended the joke and rejected accusations that it encouraged violence. He said it was a light roast about the age gap between the president and first lady, not a call to assassination.
The controversy follows a security incident at the Washington Hilton, where the Trumps were evacuated unharmed after a suspect allegedly opened fire near a checkpoint close to the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Authorities later charged the suspect with attempting to assassinate the president.
Legal experts say early licence reviews are rare and are usually linked to technical failings or fraud rather than editorial disputes. Many analysts believe it is unlikely Disney will lose any licences, arguing the FCC would need to prove repeated and intentional violations of regulations.
The FCC, established in 1934, oversees broadcasting rules including sponsor disclosure, emergency alerts and standards around obscenity and decency. Trump has previously argued that networks giving him negative coverage should risk losing their licences, prompting wider debate over political influence and press freedom.
Source: BBC article
