The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is reportedly preparing to examine Disney’s broadcast license following concerns raised by FCC Chairman Brendan Kerr about potential “discrimination on the basis of race and gender” by the company.
According to reports, the FCC cannot independently trigger an early license review process; however, Mr. Kerr issued a warning to both ABC and Disney, which owns the broadcast license, criticizing the company’s diversity initiatives. The FCC has authorized ABC to use public airwaves for its television broadcasts.
“If evidence emerges indicating that they have engaged in discrimination based on race or gender, it could pose a significant issue for the FCC and fundamentally affect their eligibility to maintain their license,” Kerr commented to FOX recently.
Kerr also expressed concerns in March 2025 about ABC’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies.
Recently, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump have called for the dismissal of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. This follows remarks made by Melania Trump that drew criticism, where she described herself as looking like a “pregnant widow.” Shortly after, an incident involving a gunman allegedly attempting to harm the president occurred at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
Semaphore emphasized that the timing of the FCC review is not connected to Kimmel’s controversial remarks.
In a statement on Monday, Trump expressed his dissatisfaction:
Wow, Jimmy Kimmel, who is never amusing and whose ratings reflect that, said something actually shocking. He aired a fake video that suggested First Lady Melania and our son Barron were present in his studio, which they were not and will never be.
“Our First Lady, Melania, is here. Look at Melania, so beautiful. Mrs. Trump, you have the glow of a pregnant widow. The following day, a maniac attempted to enter the White House Correspondents’ Dinner ballroom armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and several knives. His motives were unmistakable and sinister.”
“I appreciate that so many people are outraged by Kimmel’s appalling call for violence. Typically, I wouldn’t respond to Kimmel’s comments, but this situation is unacceptable. Jimmy Kimmel should be fired immediately by Disney and ABC. Thank you for your attention to this issue! President Donald J. Trump,” he added.
The First Lady also released a statement addressing Kimmel.
“Kimmel’s hateful and violent language seeks to divide our nation. His comments about my family are not comedic—they are harmful and exacerbate the political challenges we face in America,” she stated on X.
“We shouldn’t allow individuals like Kimmel to invade our homes each night to spread hate. Enough is enough. It’s high time ABC takes a stand. The leadership at ABC perpetuates Kimmel’s damaging actions at the community’s expense, repeatedly.”
