Ted Cruz and Others Oppose FCC’s Early Review of Disney’s TV Licenses

TL/DR –

Ted Cruz and the National Association of Broadcasters criticized the Federal Communication Commission’s decision for an early review of Disney’s broadcast TV licenses following a controversial joke from TV host, Jimmy Kimmel. Kimmel faced backlash after jokingly referring to Melania Trump as an “expectant widow”, leading to calls from the Trump family for his dismissal and the FCC’s decision to review Disney’s licenses. Despite the controversy, Kimmel has not apologized for his comment, and other public figures have defended him, asserting the government should not censor speech.

Republican Senator Ted Cruz has criticized the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) decision to instigate anearly review of Disney‘s broadcast TV licenses following backlash against late-night hostJimmy Kimmel for his controversial joke.

Cruz asserted that it is not the government’s role to censor speech and disagreed with the FCC stepping into this role. His views were echoed by the National Association of Broadcasters, which issued a statement stressing the need for predictability, fairness, and transparency in the broadcast license renewal process.

At a recent White House Correspondents’ Dinner, Kimmel made a joking comment directed at the First Lady that sparked controversy. Following a shooting at the event, both Donald and Melania Trump demanded Kimmel’s termination from Jimmy Kimmel Live!. Kimmel refused to apologize for his comment, referring to it as a “light roast.”

In response to the controversy, the FCC initiated an early review of Disney’s broadcast TV licenses. A Disney spokesperson expressed confidence in their record of serving viewers in their local communities despite this review.

On a recent episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Kimmel countered back at Trump for a joke the president made during a state visit by England’s King Charles.

Not only Cruz, but also comedian Adam Carolla defended Kimmel on his podcast, arguing that Kimmel’s comment was a typical roast joke and unrelated to the subsequent shooting incident.