Democratic senators urge FCC to halt early review of Disney broadcast licences
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · May 7
Democratic senators urge FCC to halt early review of Disney broadcast licences
15 articles · Updated · POLITICO · May 7
Twelve senators said Brendan Carr's order targets eight ABC stations years early and amounts to censorship over a Jimmy Kimmel joke about Donald Trump.
The letter, led by Ed Markey, says the FCC has turned its licensing power into presidential retribution against constitutionally protected speech. The FCC did not immediately comment.
Carr has said the move stems from an investigation into Disney's diversity, equity and inclusion practices. Earlier reports said the affected renewals were originally due between 2028 and 2031.
What precedent does this set for the relationship between regulators and broadcast newsrooms?
When does federal oversight of media cross the line into censorship of protected speech?
FCC's Unprecedented Early License Renewal Demand Against Disney/ABC Sparks First Amendment Crisis
Overview
In April 2026, a controversial joke by Jimmy Kimmel about Melania Trump sparked public outrage, followed by an assassination attempt on former President Trump at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Amid this tense atmosphere, the FCC, led by Chairman Brendan Carr, demanded Disney/ABC begin an early license renewal process for its ABC stations, citing an ongoing investigation into Disney's diversity programs and public interest concerns. Disney quickly challenged the order, asserting First Amendment rights. The FCC's unprecedented move triggered widespread criticism, legal battles, and fears of political censorship, raising significant concerns about free speech, regulatory overreach, and the future of media independence in the U.S.