FCC Asks 8 ABC Stations for Licenses Early After Kimmel Joke

Eight ABC stations must renew their licenses much earlier than usual. This is the second time in less than a year that the FCC has reviewed licenses linked to Jimmy Kimmel's jokes.
By Newsroom | Media Regulation, Government |

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has directed eight Disney-owned ABC television stations to file for their broadcast licenses ahead of schedule. This move, unprecedented in decades, comes in the wake of a controversial joke made by late-night host Jimmy Kimmel about Melania Trump. The stations, including major affiliates in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Durham, and Fresno, have 30 days to comply with the order.

The FCC’s announcement follows a significant escalation in pressure from the Trump administration on ABC and Disney to take action against Kimmel. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump have publicly called for Kimmel's termination over the remarks. While the FCC cites an "ongoing investigation" and Disney's "public interest obligations" as reasons for the review, the action is widely perceived as a form of government retaliation.

Read More: Pakistan Media Body Fines Geo News for Showing Indian Songs After Asha Bhosle's Death

US FCC reviewing Disney's ABC station licenses after Jimmy Kimmel joke - 1

A Precedent-Setting Action

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, who has previously signaled his willingness to take such steps, has the authority to schedule early license renewals. While license denials are exceptionally rare and any adverse FCC decision would be appealable, the FCC’s initiation of this process is viewed as a significant exertion of regulatory power. This marks the second time in less than a year that the FCC has taken action related to Kimmel's on-air comments, previously concerning remarks made after the death of Charlie Kirk.

Behind the Controversy

The joke at the center of the current dispute involved Melania Trump, with her advisor Marc Beckman characterizing Kimmel's remarks as "hateful and violent rhetoric." Kimmel, however, has defended his comments as satire directed at the President's age, not a call for violence, and has asserted his First Amendment rights to free speech. Disney has stated it will comply with the FCC's order for an accelerated review of its stations' licenses. The FCC has denied having the authority to revoke licenses based on perceived political viewpoints.

Read More: Australia Plans To Bring Back ISIS-Linked Citizens From Syria

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did the FCC order 8 ABC stations to renew their licenses early?
The FCC is making eight ABC stations, owned by Disney, file for their broadcast licenses ahead of schedule. This is happening after a joke made by Jimmy Kimmel about Melania Trump.
Q: Which ABC stations are affected by this early license review?
The stations are in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Durham, and Fresno. They have 30 days to follow the FCC's order.
Q: Is this FCC action related to Jimmy Kimmel's past comments?
Yes, this is the second time in less than a year that the FCC has taken action related to Kimmel's on-air comments. The first time was about remarks made after Charlie Kirk's death.
Q: What did Jimmy Kimmel say that caused this issue?
The joke was about Melania Trump. Her advisor called it 'hateful and violent rhetoric.' Kimmel said it was satire about the President's age and defended his free speech rights.
Q: What will happen next with the ABC station licenses?
Disney has said it will follow the FCC's order for an early review of its stations' licenses. While license denials are very rare, the FCC is starting this process early.