FCC launches review of Disney broadcast licenses years ahead of schedule

The Federal Communications Commission is seeking an early review of Disney’s broadcast station licenses following concerns around the company’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, according to a letter from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr Tuesday.

The letter orders the company to file for early renewal for ABC-owned television stations. The letter noted the action is related to the investigation into Disney’s DEI efforts, which began last year.

ABC-owned station licenses were originally up for renewal between 2028 and 2031.

Disney confirmed on Tuesday that it received the FCC’s order initiating an accelerated review of its licenses. The FCC said in the letter Disney now has 30 days — or until May 28 — to file for the renewals.

“ABC and its stations have a long record of operating in full compliance with FCC rules and serving their local communities with trusted news, emergency information, and public‑interest programming,” Disney said in a statement. “We are confident that record demonstrates our continued qualifications as licensees under the Communications Act and the First Amendment and are prepared to show that through the appropriate legal channels. Our focus remains, as always, on serving viewers in the local communities where our stations operate.” 

Since beginning its investigation last March, the FCC said that “Disney’s ABC has purported to respond” to two inquiries. Still, the agency said that it has determined further actions were “appropriate,” such as the call for early renewals.

The order lists eight stations subject to the early renewal — three in California, as well as others in Illinois, New York, Texas, North Carolina and Pennsylvania — all of which are owned and operated by Disney. The call for early renewal does not affect Disney’s affiliates, which are operated by broadcast station owners like Nexstar Media Group.

The FCC, the federal entity that regulates the media and telecommunications industry, began investigating Disney’s stations for possible violations of the Communications Act of 1934 and the FCC’s rules regarding its prohibition on unlawful discrimination.

Disney is not the only media company subject to an investigation surrounding its DEI efforts. Last year the FCC also began investigations into Comcast, the owner of NBCUniversal, as well as Paramount, prior to its merger with Skydance.

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