FCC orders early license renewals for ABC stations
The FCC has initiated early reviews of licenses for Disney-owned ABC stations. This decision follows public criticism from Trump directed at ABC's Jimmy Kimmel. (sources: npr, cnn, wsj, nbcnews, politico)

The FCC has ordered early license renewals for ABC stations owned by Disney. This action comes after criticism from Trump regarding the network's programming.
- The FCC is reviewing licenses for Disney-owned ABC stations ahead of their scheduled renewal.
- The review follows public comments from Trump about Jimmy Kimmel's show.
- Kimmel has responded to the situation, indicating that his program will continue.
Why it matters
The FCC's decision may impact the relationship between media outlets and political figures, highlighting the influence of public criticism on regulatory processes.
↓ Why this is on ModernAction
2 bills on this issue are moving right now — and the most active one is Broadcast Freedom and Independence Act of 2025.
S867 · 119th Congress
Broadcast Freedom and Independence Act of 2025
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What S867 actually does
This story is about the FCC initiating early reviews of ABC stations and their licenses after public criticism. This bill would bar the FCC from revoking or conditioning broadcast licenses or approvals based on viewpoints broadcast by a licensee or its affiliate.
If passed, it would:
- Prohibits FCC from revoking or conditioning licenses for expressed viewpoints • Limits FCC conditions on transactions tied to broadcast viewpoints.
1 other bill moving on this issue
Take action on any of them individually.
This story is about the FCC starting early license reviews of ABC stations following public criticism. The bill would put the Senate on record discouraging use of FCC power to chill speech and urge increased political oversight of FCC conduct.
If passed, it would
- Places the Senate on record discouraging penalizing speech via FCC action • Calls for increased congressional scrutiny of FCC statements and actions.
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