FCC Orders Disney-Owned TV Stations to File License Renewals Early Amid Jimmy Kimmel Controversy
The Federal Communications Commission is set to issue an order directing Disney's owned-and-operated television stations to file their broadcast license renewals earlier than scheduled. This move is said to be linked to Jimmy Kimmel's recent comments about Melania Trump on his late-night show. Disney, which owns stations in major markets like Los Angeles and New York, has been given 30 days to comply with the FCC's order.
The White House has increased pressure on ABC following Kimmel's remarks about the first lady, calling for action in response to his description of her as an "expectant widow." This comes after a recent incident where a gunman opened fire outside the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington, prompting security concerns.
Kimmel addressed the criticism on his show, explaining that his comment about Melania Trump was meant as a light-hearted joke about the age difference between her and the president. He emphasized that it was not intended as a call for violence and advocated for rejecting hateful and violent rhetoric in the country.
This latest controversy involving Kimmel follows a previous incident where ABC temporarily suspended his show due to comments he made about a conservative activist. The FCC's order to Disney's stations is seen as a response to the recent backlash against Kimmel's remarks about the first lady.