FCC to review Disney licenses after Kimmel joke
FCC orders early review of Disney broadcast licenses after Trump called for firing Jimmy Kimmel over a joke about Melania Trump.
April 29, 2026
1 min read
9 views
Source: bbc.co.uk
The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has ordered an early review of Disney's television broadcast licenses, days after President Donald Trump called for the firing of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. The review was announced on April 28, 2026, according to multiple news reports.
Trump had urged ABC, whose parent company is Disney, to fire Kimmel after the host made a joke about First Lady Melania Trump during his show. The FCC's decision to review Disney's licenses is seen as a response to Trump's call, though the agency stated it was acting on its own authority.
The FCC review will examine whether Disney's broadcast licenses meet public interest standards. Disney owns ABC, which airs 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' The outcome of the review could affect Disney's ability to operate its broadcast stations.
Neither Disney nor ABC have commented publicly on the FCC review. The White House has not issued a statement on the matter beyond Trump's initial remarks.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the FCC reviewing Disney's broadcast licenses?
The FCC ordered an early review after President Trump called for the firing of Jimmy Kimmel over a joke about Melania Trump. The review will assess if Disney's licenses meet public interest standards.
What did Jimmy Kimmel say about Melania Trump?
Jimmy Kimmel made a joke about First Lady Melania Trump during his show, which led to President Trump calling for his firing. The exact content of the joke has not been widely reported.
Could Disney lose its broadcast licenses?
The FCC review could potentially affect Disney's ability to operate its broadcast stations if the licenses are found not to meet public interest standards, but no decision has been made yet.
