FCC Orders Review of ABC Licenses After Kimmel Joke Offends Trump and First Lady

The Federal Communications Commission has initiated an extraordinary review of ABC's broadcast licenses, a move that comes on the heels of a heated controversy sparked by Jimmy Kimmel's recent joke about First Lady Melania Trump. The joke, which aired on ABC, drew sharp rebukes from President Trump and the first lady, who called for Kimmel's dismissal. There are no television station licenses up for renewal until 2028, and the process of revoking licenses is notoriously complex, making it nearly impossible to execute.

However, in a surprising move, the FCC has ordered ABC's parent company, Disney, to submit early license renewal applications for all of its licensed television stations by May 28. The FCC's decision to invoke this rarely used authority allows the agency to conduct an investigation into ABC's compliance with its public interest obligations. According to the FCC, its rules permit it to request early renewal applications when it deems it essential to the proper conduct of an investigation.

This move enables the FCC to ensure that the broadcaster has been meeting its public interest obligations more broadly. The development marks a significant escalation of the controversy surrounding Kimmel's joke, which drew widespread attention and criticism. The FCC's actions are seen as a response to the outcry from the Trump administration and reflect the complex and often contentious relationship between the government and the media.