Disney Likely to Keep ABC Stations as FCC Faces 1996 Telecom Hurdle

The Federal Communications Commission issued the order on April 27, 2025, after President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump publicly urged ABC to fire Jimmy Kimmel over a joke about the former first lady. The FCC’s move is unusual because it asks for early renewal filings instead of waiting for the regular cycle.

The FCC directed Disney/ABC to submit early license renewal applications for every TV station it owns by May 28, 2025. Andrew Jay Schwartzman, senior counselor at the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society, said the 1996 Telecommunications Act amendment creates an almost insurmountable burden for the FCC when it tries to deny a broadcaster’s license renewal. James Speta, a law professor at Northwestern University, noted that the same 1996 law adds significant limits on the FCC’s power to cancel or deny renewals, requiring the agency to prove willful or repeated violations before taking such action.

Because the 1996 amendments raised the evidentiary bar for license denial, Disney’s chances of losing any of its stations appear slim unless the FCC can produce clear evidence of serious misconduct. The early filing deadline gives Disney a chance to prepare its renewal packets while the agency gathers any needed evidence. Observers will watch whether the FCC pursues any enforcement actions before the May 28 deadline and how Disney responds to the renewed scrutiny.