Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Apr 29: The administration of Donald Trump is moving to challenge the broadcast licenses of television stations owned by ABC, marking a sharp escalation in tensions between the government and the media.
According to an order issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), ABC—owned by The Walt Disney Company—has been directed to file license renewal applications for all its stations within 30 days, setting a deadline of May 28, 2026. The move is being described as the beginning of a lengthy legal process.
While the FCC has linked the review to an ongoing probe into Disney’s diversity policies, the decision is widely being interpreted as retaliation connected to recent controversy surrounding Jimmy Kimmel and his show Jimmy Kimmel Live!.
The dispute intensified after Melania Trump publicly criticized Kimmel’s remarks about her family, calling them harmful and accusing the show of contributing to political division. Her comments followed a monologue in which Kimmel made a controversial joke about her.
The situation further escalated when Trump himself weighed in, alleging that Kimmel’s remarks amounted to a “call to violence” and demanding that the host be removed from the network. The criticism came after a shooting incident near the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner, which Trump linked to the broader media environment.
Despite the backlash, ABC has continued to air Kimmel’s program, signaling support for the host. In a subsequent episode, Kimmel defended his earlier remarks, describing them as a light-hearted joke referencing the age difference between the president and the first lady.
“Jimmy Kimmel Live!” remains one of the most prominent late-night talk shows in the United States. However, it has faced mounting scrutiny in recent months. The show was temporarily suspended last year amid earlier political pressure following Kimmel’s controversial comments about conservative figure Charlie Kirk, whose death had sparked widespread debate.
The FCC’s latest move adds a new dimension to the ongoing confrontation, raising broader questions about media independence, regulatory authority, and political influence in the United States.