FCC Orders Review of ABC Broadcast Licenses Amid Controversy Over Jimmy Kimmel Comments [WATCH]

The Federal Communications Commission has ordered a review of broadcast licenses held by ABC-owned television stations as scrutiny intensifies over the network and its parent company, Disney, following a recent controversy involving late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, as reported by The New  York Post.

The FCC, led by Chairman Brendan Carr, said in a filing that the review is tied to an investigation into ABC’s diversity and inclusion policies. The action comes amid a dispute involving President Donald Trump and Kimmel after remarks made during a recent monologue.

A representative for Disney confirmed receipt of the FCC’s order and responded in a statement outlining the company’s position.

Here’s What They’re Not Telling You About Your Retirement

“We have received the Federal Communications Commission’s order initiating an accelerated review of the licenses held by ABC’s owned television stations. ABC and its stations have a long record of operating in full compliance with FCC rules and serving their local communities with trusted news, emergency information, and public-interest programming,” the spokesperson said.

“We are confident that record demonstrates our continued qualifications as licensees under the Communications Act and the First Amendment and are prepared to show that through the appropriate legal channels,” the company added. “Our focus remains, as always, on serving viewers in the local communities where our stations operate.”

The FCC did not immediately respond to requests for additional comment regarding the review.

Federal regulators face a high bar in attempting to revoke broadcast licenses. Any action would require evidence that a station or network demonstrated a consistent pattern of violating established rules and regulations.

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

If the FCC were to block renewal of ABC’s licenses, the network could challenge the decision in court, potentially leading to a lengthy legal process.

ABC owns eight local television stations among more than 200 affiliates that carry its programming nationwide, including major markets such as New York, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia.

The review follows public criticism from President Trump, who said Monday that Kimmel should be fired over comments made prior to a shooting at Saturday’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner.

During a monologue on his show last Thursday, Kimmel referenced the event and said: “Our first lady, Melania, is here. Look at Melania, so beautiful. Mrs. Trump, you have a glow like an expectant widow.”

Jimmy Kimmel: “Our First Lady is here. Mrs. Trump… you have a glow like an expectant widow.” pic.twitter.com/LdloPzMyXr

— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) April 26, 2026

First Lady Melania Trump responded on X following the remarks. “Kimmel’s hateful and violent rhetoric is intended to divide our country. His monologue about my family isn’t comedy- his words are corrosive and deepens the political sickness within America,” she wrote.

Kimmel later repeated the comment during his Monday night broadcast and said the remark was not intended as a “call to assassination,” explaining that he was referring to the age difference between the first lady and the president.

The controversy is not the first involving the late-night host. In September, Kimmel was taken off the air for a week after backlash from affiliates related to comments about conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

BREAKING: ABC broadcast affiliate Nexstar is removing Jimmy Kimmel indefinitely after he joked about the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

The announcement says the following:”Nexstar Media Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: NXST), today announced that the company’s owned and partner… pic.twitter.com/zxNrcA5wzG— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) September 17, 2025

When he returned on Sept. 23, Kimmel declined to issue a full apology but said: “It was never my intention to make light of a murder of a young man. I don’t think there’s anything funny about it.”

President Trump criticized ABC’s decision to reinstate Kimmel at the time, writing on Truth Social: “I can’t believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back. The White House was told by ABC that his Show was cancelled! Something happened between then and now because his audience is GONE, and his ‘talent’ was never there.”

Carr has also indicated that the FCC is reviewing multiple broadcasters, including NBC, PBS, and National Public Radio, as part of broader oversight efforts.

Warning: Account balances and purchasing power no longer tell the same story. Know in 2 minutes if your retirement is working for you.

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.