The Federal Communications Commission has ordered Disney's ABC to seek early broadcast license renewals for the eight TV stations it owns. The regulatory agency issued the order to conduct a review of the licenses following calls for late-night host Jimmy Kimmel to be punished for his comments.
The move comes after President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump criticized Kimmel for a joke he made last week ahead of the White House correspondents' dinner. In the joke, Kimmel referred to Melania Trump as an "expectant widow." Following the remarks, both the President and the first lady urged ABC to fire the host.
This incident marks the latest instance of the White House pushing back on free speech within the world of late-night comedy. While the Trumps have called for Kimmel's termination, the FCC maintains that its order is regarding a probe.