First Amendment advocates blast the FCC's early review of ABC broadcast licenses
5 hours ago
- #FCC Regulations
- #Media Censorship
- #First Amendment
- The FCC is conducting an early review of ABC's broadcast licenses, which free speech advocates view as a threat to the First Amendment and federal overreach.
- The review follows a yearlong investigation into Disney's DEI practices, but critics argue it was fast-tracked after Jimmy Kimmel's joke about Melania Trump.
- Trump and White House officials have called for Kimmel's firing; Kimmel defended his joke as a light roast, not an incitement to violence.
- Civil liberties groups, including the Freedom of the Press Foundation and PEN America, condemn the FCC's action as viewpoint retaliation and government censorship.
- FCC Commissioner Anna M. Gomez, a Democratic appointee, criticized the order as politically motivated and an unprecedented violation of the First Amendment.
- Disney has stated it will defend its qualifications as a licensee through legal channels, while the stations have 30 days to comply with the FCC order.
- The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and media, with past incidents involving Kimmel leading to temporary suspensions and affiliate refusals to air his show.