FCC Starts Early Review of Eight Disney ABC Licenses

The Federal Communications Commission launched an early review of licenses for eight Disney-owned ABC broadcast stations on Tuesday, prompting questions about its timing amid a public feud between President Donald Trump and late-night host Jimmy Kimmel.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr told reporters Thursday that the review stems from an ongoing investigation into allegations of discrimination tied to the company's diversity, equity, and inclusion practices, not Trump's criticism of Kimmel. The probe, which began last March, examines claims that Disney created racially segregated spaces and imposed racial or identity-based quotas and preferences in employment. Carr said the agency issued a letter of inquiry in June, to which Disney responded with hundreds of documents. However, commission officials determined last week that the company's latest submission was insufficient, prompting the early license renewal process.

"We've been very clear that we're holding broadcasters accountable to their obligations, not just public interest standards, but equal employment opportunity obligations," Carr said at a press conference. He added that he had publicly indicated for months that an early...