FCC Reviews ABC Licenses Amid Kimmel and Trump Dispute
The FCC has initiated a review of ABC's licenses following a public dispute involving a comedian and a political figure. This action follows remarks made by the political figure regarding the comedian's segment. (sources: thehill, cbsnews, abc, theguardian, nytimes)
The FCC has ordered the Walt Disney Company to file for early license renewal for its television stations after the political figure criticized the comedian's comments. This review is part of an ongoing dispute between the comedian and the political figure.
- The comedian made a joke about the political figure during a show, which received criticism from the political figure and their spouse.
- The FCC's review of ABC's licenses is linked to the public comments made by the political figure.
- The review requires Disney to file for early license renewal for its television stations.
Why it matters
The FCC's review highlights the intersection of media, comedy, and political discourse in the current environment.
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2 bills on this issue are moving right now — and the most active one is Broadcast Freedom and Independence Act of 2025.
HR1880 · 119th Congress
Broadcast Freedom and Independence Act of 2025
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What HR1880 actually does
This story is about the FCC reviewing ABC's licenses after a public dispute involving a comedian and a political figure. This bill would prohibit the FCC from revoking licenses or taking other actions based on viewpoints broadcast by an individual or their affiliate.
If passed, it would:
- Prohibit FCC from revoking licenses for broadcast viewpoints • Forbid imposing transaction conditions based on broadcast viewpoints.
1 other bill moving on this issue
Take action on any of them individually.
This story is about the FCC reviewing ABC's licenses after a public dispute involving a comedian and a political figure. The bill would bar the FCC from taking action or setting conditions against entities because of viewpoints they or their affiliates broadcast.
If passed, it would
- Stop FCC from taking action based on an entity's broadcast viewpoints • Block viewpoint-based conditions on FCC approval of transactions.
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