Disney executives are expecting President Trump to target their broadcast licenses for ABC-owned stations in major markets like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. The expectation stems from ongoing FCC scrutiny under Carr, who has criticized "bias against conservatives".
The company views Kimmel's reinstatement as a free-speech stand, despite knowing it could provoke the administration.
Sources close to Disney told Bloomberg that lawyers believe any FCC revocation attempt would fail in court, citing First Amendment protections and the FCC's limited authority over satirical content. Broadcast licenses require "public interest" compliance, but courts have historically struck down politically motivated revocations. Disney's prior settlement of a Trump defamation suit in 2024 (over ABC host George Stephanopoulos) informs their strategy, but they see this as winnable.
The core issue: Kimmel's remarks linking the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk to Trump supporters, which triggered backlash, a temporary show suspension, and threats to Disney's FCC broadcast licenses. Disney reinstated Kimmel on Tuesday, but executives are bracing for potential legal fights.
If Trump pushes revocations, it could reach the Supreme Court, testing broadcast vs. cable distinctions (Kimmel would face less risk on cable).