Carr: Disney's Early License Review Is About DEI, Not 1A

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr rejected Disney's claims that the agency's early review of ABC station broadcast licenses is an unconstitutional effort to chill free speech, insisting the action centers on a long-running investigation into the company's DEI practices.

In a Friday interview on CNBC's "Squawk on the Street" with host Sara Eisen, Carr said Disney filed the renewal applications for its eight owned ABC TV stations "under protest" after the FCC ordered an accelerated review — years ahead of the original 2028–2031 schedule. Disney described the move as unlawful, arbitrary, and aimed at exerting editorial control.

Carr emphasized that the review stems from a March 2025 FCC probe into potential "invidious" discrimination in Disney's hiring, compensation, promotion, and workplace practices based on race, gender, or other protected characteristics, which could violate federal nondiscrimination laws. He criticized Disney's responses to document requests as incomplete, disingenuous, and nonresponsive, saying the early renewal ensures full compliance."

This has nothing to do with the First Amendment, nothing to do with editorial control, nothing to do with Jimmy Kimmel," Carr stated, dismissing Disney's public relations framing. He noted that broadcasters using public airwaves have unique public interest obligations and no absolute First Amendment right to a license.

Watch CNBC’s full interview with FCC Chairman Brendan Carr https://t.co/L8a2EF2NMG

— Tom Benson (@Tombenson1) May 30, 2026

The FCC plans to issue a public notice opening a pleading cycle for petitions to deny the renewals, allowing Disney to respond. Outcomes could include renewal, a hearing, or other actions based on facts and law, with Carr stressing "no company is above the law, including Disney." 

He downplayed the likelihood of revoking licenses but said it depends on evidence.

Host Sara Eisen pressed Carr on the timing — following public criticism from President Trump of ABC content — and whether the action risks chilling speech across broadcasting. Carr maintained the probe is narrowly focused on DEI compliance and enforcement of existing rules, not retaliation or content.

The dispute highlights broader tensions over FCC regulation of broadcasters' public interest duties versus free speech concerns. No final decision on the licenses has been made.