FCC Orders Disney-Owned TV Stations to Renew Licenses Early After Kimmel Trump Joke
The Federal Communications Commission will order Disney's eight TV stations to file their broadcasting licenses for renewal early. The move comes after Jimmy Kimmel made a joke about Melania Trump on his ABC show last week, according to reports.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr will issue an order Tuesday directing Disney's eight owned-and-operated television stations to file their broadcasting licenses for renewal ahead of schedule.
The decision appears linked to a joke Jimmy Kimmel made about former First Lady Melania Trump on his ABC late-night show last week. Sources say Carr was not pleased with what was described as a "light roast joke" about Trump.
TV stations must regularly renew their broadcasting licenses with the FCC to stay on the air. These licenses are typically renewed on a set schedule, but the FCC has authority to require early renewals when it has concerns about a station's operations.
Disney owns eight television stations that broadcast ABC programming in major markets across the country. The early renewal process will require Disney to submit detailed paperwork and potentially face additional scrutiny from federal regulators.
The FCC has broad power over broadcast television content and licensing. Stations that lose their licenses cannot broadcast over public airwaves.
Broadcasting licenses let TV stations stay on the air. The FCC has power to revoke these licenses, which could shut down stations. This shows how government regulators might respond to content they don't like on television.
The FCC order is expected Tuesday. Disney will need to file renewal paperwork for all eight stations.
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