FCC Chair Opens Investigation Into Disney Over DEI

Brendan Carr, the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), announced Friday that he is launching an investigation into the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices of The Walt Disney Company and its ABC unit. 

Carr stated that the probe aims to determine whether Disney’s DEI initiatives may have violated U.S. equal employment opportunity (EEO) regulations, which are enforced by the FCC for entities under its jurisdiction, such as broadcast licensees like ABC.

In a letter addressed to Disney CEO Robert Iger, Carr expressed concerns that the company’s DEI policies might constitute “invidious forms of discrimination.” 

He argued that Disney, historically known for its focus on entertainment successes, had shifted in recent years, becoming “embroiled in rounds of controversy” over its diversity efforts. Carr specifically pointed to past Disney practices, such as a reported policy at ABC requiring that at least 50% of certain production roles—like writers, directors, and crew—be filled by individuals from underrepresented groups based on race or gender. He suggested that such quotas could breach FCC rules, which prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, or gender in employment practices at regulated companies.

Carr acknowledged that Disney had recently scaled back some of its DEI programs, including a February 2025 shift in executive compensation metrics from “Diversity & Inclusion” to “Talent Strategy.” 

However, he maintained that “significant concerns remain,” asserting that any rollback must eliminate discriminatory practices “in substance, not just name.” The FCC’s Enforcement Bureau has been tasked with reviewing Disney’s DEI programs, policies, and practices to ensure compliance.

Disney responded to the announcement with a statement indicating that it is reviewing Carr’s letter and looks forward to engaging with the FCC to address its questions. The investigation aligns with a broader push by the Trump administration to challenge DEI initiatives across both public and private sectors, reflecting a policy shift that began with an executive order on Trump’s first day of his second term in January 2025, banning DEI considerations in federal hiring.