FCC Brendan Carr White House Correspondents' Dinner Jimmy Kimmel ABC licenses broadcast regulation DEI investigation

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr has denied allegations of White House pressure in the agency’s early review of eight ABC broadcast licenses. The review, which follows President Donald Trump’s public criticism of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, was instead driven by the FCC’s ongoing investigation into ABC’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

During a press conference on Thursday, Carr addressed the timing of the review, stating,

“The White House did not pressure me in any way to take this action. This review is solely based on the FCC’s investigation into ABC’s DEI policies.”

Carr also weighed in on President Trump’s calls for Kimmel’s dismissal following a joke made on Jimmy Kimmel Live! ahead of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner last weekend. While the FCC chair did not comment on the appropriateness of the joke, he affirmed the president’s right to voice his opinion.

“He has every right to make the decisions that he’s made, to make the public calls that he’s made, same with the first lady. And there’s a lot of people out there that agree with them.”

The FCC’s review focuses on ABC’s compliance with broadcast licensing requirements, particularly regarding diversity initiatives. The agency has not provided further details on the investigation’s progress or potential outcomes.

Source: The Wrap
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