FCC Reviews ABC Licences Following Jimmy Kimmel's Controversial Joke on Melania Trump
Late-night fallout: FCC reviews ABC's licences after Jimmy Kimmel's remark on Melania Trump
The Economic TimesImage: The Economic Times
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is reviewing the broadcast licences of ABC stations owned by Disney after Jimmy Kimmel's joke about Melania Trump sparked backlash. The review, led by Trump appointee Brendan Carr, is expected to focus on Disney's diversity policies rather than the joke itself.
- 01FCC's review of ABC licences follows backlash from Jimmy Kimmel's joke about Melania Trump.
- 02The review will target eight ABC stations owned by Disney.
- 03Brendan Carr, FCC chair, has previously threatened to revoke licences over content he finds problematic.
- 04Kimmel defended his joke as a light roast, emphasizing the need for reducing harmful rhetoric.
- 05Critics argue the FCC's actions could violate First Amendment rights.
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The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is set to review the broadcast licences of eight ABC stations owned by the Walt Disney Company following a controversial joke made by late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. Kimmel's remark, which described Melania Trump as an “expectant widow,” ignited backlash from MAGA supporters and political figures, including Donald Trump and Melania Trump, who demanded action against Kimmel. FCC chair Brendan Carr, a Trump appointee, has indicated that the review will formally focus on Disney's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies rather than the joke itself. Carr has previously warned broadcasters about content he deems problematic, raising concerns about potential illegal discrimination linked to Disney's DEI initiatives. Kimmel defended his joke as a harmless roast and criticized political leaders for perpetuating violent rhetoric. The situation has drawn criticism from FCC Democratic commissioner Anna Gomez, who labeled the review as unprecedented and unlawful, suggesting that it could infringe on free speech rights. Legal experts believe that any potential action from the FCC regarding licence removal would face significant challenges in court, particularly concerning First Amendment protections.
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