PolicyRegulatory ActionApril 29, 2026
FCC early review of Disney licenses draws Cruz backlash
Senator Ted Cruz criticized the FCC's decision to conduct an early review of Disney's broadcast TV licenses. This criticism occurred in response to controversy surrounding a joke made by Jimmy Kimmel, a host on an ABC-affiliated network.
Key Takeaways
- Ted Cruz slammed the FCC's early review of Disney's broadcast TV licenses.
- The review comes amid backlash over Jimmy Kimmel's 'expectant widow' joke.
- Disney is the company facing the broadcast license review.
- The controversy centers on an ABC-affiliated network host, Jimmy Kimmel.
Why It Matters
An early FCC review of Disney’s broadcast TV licenses raises the stakes around a regulatory process tied to a public controversy. Because the issue involves Disney and an ABC-affiliated host, it puts a broadcast parent company under scrutiny in a way streaming-only businesses do not face. The immediate signal for streaming readers is that linear TV ownership still carries regulatory exposure. Watch for any further FCC action on Disney’s licenses or additional public responses tied to the Kimmel backlash.
Read full article at hollywoodreporter.com