FCC Forces Disney Renewals Over Kimmel Joke

0:00It's April 28th. You're listening to Global News today, AI Power Coverage from Around the World. I'm Cory with the story. The Federal Communications Commission just dropped in order for Disney to fast track reviews of its TV broadcast licenses, pulling them up years early. From their 2028 renewal date, this comes right after President Trump demanded ABC, owned by Disney, fire Jimmy Kimmel, over a joke about Melania Trump. The FCC says it's probing possible violations like unlawful discrimination at Disney's eight stations, and now they got to file renewals in 30 days. Earlier this week, Trump called Kimmel's late night bit a call to violence, tying it to a shooting at a gala where the Trumps were attending. A 31-year-old suspect got tackled trying to assassinate the president near the White House correspondence dinner. Kimmel joked about Melania having the glow of an expectant widow right before that incident went down. Folks are fired up on all sides. White House comms director Stephen Chung wants Kimmel shunned for life, while Democratic FCC commissioner Anna Gomez slammed the move as a political stunt that won't stick, backing the First Amendment.

1:10Kimmel's pushing back, noting his long fight against gun violence. The review could force Disney to prove they're serving the public interest, and an rare twist might even yank those licenses, something the FCC hasn't done in over 40 years. Companies like Disney are urged to fight it legally. This FCC flex keeps the heat our media giants amid the Trump Kimmel clash, showing how comedy and politics can collide with real regulatory muscle. Stay tuned as renewals roll in.