FCC Orders Early License Renewal for ABC Stations Following Kimmel Joke
April 29, 2026 • Google News World
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued an order for early license renewal for ABC stations, following a controversy surrounding a joke made by late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. The FCC’s decision was prompted by comments made by President Donald Trump and his administration.
According to reports, the Trump administration had challenged the licenses of several ABC stations amid the controversy over Kimmel’s joke. However, the FCC has now decided to review the licenses of all ABC stations as a precautionary measure.
In a statement, the FCC said it would conduct an early license renewal for all ABC stations to ensure compliance with federal regulations. The agency did not specify why the decision was made or how long the process would take.
Separately, reports have emerged that Disney, the parent company of ABC, has backed Kimmel in the controversy. According to sources, Disney is aware that attacks on Kimmel’s joke are hypocritical and have chosen to support him.
The FCC’s decision comes amid a broader debate over free speech and comedy on television. The agency’s actions have sparked concerns among some media outlets and advocacy groups, who argue that the move could set a precedent for censorship.
In related news, several opinion pieces have been published discussing the controversy surrounding Kimmel’s joke and its implications for comedy on television.
Source: Google News World