Broadcaster Must Prove It Serves the Public Interest
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Days after National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) filed a complaint over Jimmy Kimmel’s controversial monologue, the Federal Communications Commission has ordered Disney to submit early license renewals for its eight owned ABC television stations.
The FCC directed Disney’s ABC stations to file renewals by May 28 — years ahead of their scheduled 2028–2031 review window — to ensure they are operating in the public interest under the Communications Act.
The move comes amid backlash over Kimmel’s April 23 remark about First Lady Melania Trump (“the glow of an expectant widow”), which aired just before an attempted attack at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. NRB had urged the FCC to investigate whether the broadcast normalized or incited political violence.
While the FCC order references an ongoing review of Disney’s diversity, equity, and inclusion practices, the timing has drawn attention to broadcast responsibility following the Kimmel segment.
Troy A. Miller, NRB President & CEO, previously stated: “When influential voices joke about death or treat political opponents as disposable, it contributes to a culture where violence feels thinkable.”
The FCC’s action underscores its authority to evaluate whether broadcasters serve the public interest, especially in a time of heightened political tension.
Disney responded that its stations have a strong record of compliance and serving local communities with news and public-interest programming. The company said it is confident in its qualifications as a licensee.
