Religious Broasdcasters Urge FCC Caution

National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) is urging the FCC to investigate controversial remarks made on ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” last month, but the group is firmly opposing the FCC’s move to fast-track early license renewal reviews for eight Disney-owned television stations.

NRB emphasized that it does not support the agency’s accelerated review of Disney’s licenses. 

The organization stressed the need for a “stable” and “predictable” regulatory environment, especially for faith-based broadcasters operating in a fast-changing media landscape.

Troy Miller

“The FCC’s license renewal process works best when it is applied equally and consistently to all broadcasters,” said NRB President and CEO Troy Miller. “When the process is changed or sped up for just one company, it creates uncertainty for everyone — not only for that broadcaster, but for stations nationwide, including many religious broadcasters who rely on a stable, predictable system to serve their communities.”

Miller warned that targeting a single broadcaster with expedited reviews could set a harmful precedent for the entire industry. “Selective or uneven application of regulatory rules undermines confidence in the system as a whole,” he added. “Broadcasters of all sizes need clarity, consistency, and fairness from the FCC.”

NRB’s position is aligned with the NAB, which has also criticized the FCC’s early review of Disney’s licenses. NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt has called on the agency to follow its traditional enforcement process rather than using expedited license proceedings to address alleged violations.

The statements reflect growing industry concern that selective regulatory actions against one major company could weaken fairness and predictability for all broadcasters — especially smaller and faith-based stations.