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.
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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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