Federal regulators have opened multiple investigations involving Disney-owned ABC, including an early review of the broadcast licenses for Philadelphia’s 6abc and seven other company-owned television stations, and an examination of whether the daytime talk show *The View* qualifies for an exemption from federal political broadcasting rules.
The Federal Communications Commission began reviewing the stations’ licenses in April. The move came after President Donald Trump publicly criticized ABC and called for late-night host Jimmy Kimmel to be removed following remarks about first lady Melania Trump.
The FCC has said its review is tied to an investigation into Disney’s diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and whether the company violated the agency’s prohibition on unlawful discrimination. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has said evidence of race- or gender-based discrimination could raise questions about a broadcaster’s qualifications to hold a license.
FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez, the panel’s lone Democrat, has sharply criticized the review, arguing Disney and ABC have been singled out through an improper use of the agency’s regulatory authority.
On Monday, 6abc urged viewers to participate in the FCC’s public comment process, warning that the agency is reviewing its broadcast license. The comment period runs through June 29 under FCC docket No. 26-131.
Although 6abc’s license was renewed in 2023 for eight years, the FCC has the authority to revoke licenses if it determines a station has failed to serve the public interest or violated broadcast regulations. Disney has said it has a long history of complying with FCC rules and is prepared to defend its record through legal channels.
Any effort to revoke a license would likely face years of legal proceedings before an administrative law judge. The FCC has not revoked a television station license in nearly four decades, with the last such action occurring in 1987.
The agency is also reviewing *The View* following a February interview with Texas Democratic U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico. Regulators are examining whether the appearance violated the federal equal time rule requiring comparable broadcast opportunities for political opponents.
Disney has asked the FCC to reaffirm *The View* as a bona fide news interview program exempt from the equal time requirement, noting the show received that designation in 2002 and has operated under it for more than two decades without challenge.
The investigation could also have broader implications for late-night and daytime talk shows. In January, the FCC notified broadcasters that some entertainment-based interview programs may no longer automatically qualify for news exemptions if their programming is deemed politically motivated.
Source: Phila Inquirer