FCC to Review ABC Licenses Following Jimmy Kimmel's Melania Remarks: Report
The FCC has initiated an accelerated review of ABC's station licenses following a controversial joke made by Jimmy Kimmel about Melania Trump. Disney stated that ABC has a strong record of compliance with FCC regulations and is prepared to defend its licenses. The review comes amid heightened sensitivity around political speech and could have implications for media criticism.
- ▪Disney confirmed it received a call for early renewal of its station licenses from the FCC after Kimmel's remarks.
- ▪The licenses were originally set for renewal between 2028 and 2031.
- ▪Kimmel's joke was made just days before a shooting incident at the Washington Hilton during the White House Correspondents' Dinner.
- ▪The FCC's review is rare for major broadcasters and raises concerns about the impact on free speech.
- ▪Disney maintains that ABC operates in full compliance with FCC rules and is ready to demonstrate its qualifications.
8 outlets in our directory ran this story, first to last over 5 hours. Coverage spans 2 points on the political spectrum — 4 lean left, 3 centre.
- ▪ FCC reviewing Disney licenses over DEI practices one day after Trump called for Kimmel's firing — CBS News — Top
- ▪ FCC orders review of ABC licenses after Jimmy Kimmel’s Melania Trump joke — The Guardian — World
- ▪ U.S. FCC to review Disney’s ABC station licenses after Trump complains about Jimmy Kimmel joke — The Globe and Mail
- ▪ US regulator to review Disney broadcast licenses after Jimmy Kimmel joke about Melania Trump — BBC News
- ▪ The FCC is reviewing Disney's ABC broadcast licenses, a day after Trump called for Jimmy Kimmel to be fired — Business Insider
- ▪ FCC Orders a Review of ABC’s Licenses Amid Feud Between Trump and Kimmel — NYT > Top Stories
- ▪ FCC Will Review Disney’s Broadcast Licenses After Melania Trump Blasts Jimmy Kimmel Joke — Forbes - Business
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| Canonical URL | https://www.newsweek.com/fcc-to-review-abc-licenses-following-jimmy-kimmels-melania-remarks-report-11888666 |
| Publication time | Tue, 28 Apr 2026 12:04:15 -0400 |
| Retrieval time | 2026-04-28T16:37:43.353Z |
| Last seen | 2026-04-28T16:37:43.353Z |
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| Cluster | u5KxSHzw1wF_ · 8 stories |
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Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
By Hollie SilvermanDeputy Weekend EditorShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberSee more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.Disney confirmed that it received a "call in" for its owned and operated station licenses for early renewal from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Tuesday, days after Jimmy Kimmel’s on‑air joke about first lady Melania Trump having "the glow of an expectant widow."In a statement emailed to Newsweek on Tuesday, Disney said: “We have received the Federal Communications Commission’s order initiating an accelerated review of the licenses held by ABC’s owned television stations.
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