Disney Under FCC Scrutiny for Alleged Discriminatory Practices
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr stated on Thursday that Disney has been accused of discriminatory practices in hiring, promotions, and pay based on race, gender, and other protected characteristics.
Disney’s ABC network, which broadcasts on Thursdays, is amid a license renewal process for its eight television stations. Carr also criticized him regarding issues of free speech. This investigation, initiated in April, aligns with Disney’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policy. Much of Carr’s focus has been on companies with what he describes as “harmful” DEI policies.
In a statement, Carr remarked:
The FCC has been looking into Disney for over a year following reports of discrimination against individuals based on protected characteristics, which violates federal anti-discrimination laws. Allegations include claims that Disney’s hiring, promotion, and compensation practices are influenced by these characteristics. Disney sought to renew its ABC broadcast license only after the FCC indicated that its responses to the investigation were unsatisfactory.
The FCC released a public notice on Thursday emphasizing that broadcasters must operate in the public interest. It noted:
The spectrum used for broadcasting is incredibly valuable, generating billions in auctions. Broadcasters are obligated to serve their communities, setting them apart from other technology distributors that don’t have similar FCC obligations to address community needs.
In a March 2025 communication to then-CEO Robert Iger, Carr referenced multiple reports detailing allegations against Disney:
In recent years, Disney has prioritized DEI, embedding specific race- and gender-related criteria in its operations. Reports, including whistleblower accounts, suggest troubling DEI practices. For instance, one Disney employee described the company’s establishment of racially segregated affinity groups.
Additionally, Disney’s “Reimagine Tomorrow” initiative aims to enhance its DEI efforts by implementing mandatory “inclusion criteria” across ABC, demanding that various shows include a certain percentage of characters from underrepresented groups. This could mean that racial and identity quotas are enforced at all levels of production.
During the FCC’s May meeting, Carr stated, “There is evidence suggesting that Disney had practices allowing for racial discrimination. If substantiated, this could present significant issues not just at the FCC, but also with the EEOC and international bodies like the European Commission. The Department of Justice is currently monitoring the situation.”
