Jane Fonda Criticizes FCC Order on ABC Broadcast Licenses
Actor and activist Jane Fonda condemned an FCC order requiring early renewal applications for Disney's ABC-owned local stations. The order followed calls from President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump for ABC to fire comedian Jimmy Kimmel over a joke. Fonda described the action as an attempt to use government power against dissent.
Substrate placeholder — needs review · Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)This directive came one day after President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump urged Disney and ABC to dismiss late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. ' Jane Fonda, an actor and activist who founded the modern Committee for the First Amendment, issued a statement criticizing the FCC's decision.
She provided the statement to Variety on April 28, 2026.
her statement, Fonda said the order by FCC Chair Brendan Carr represented an attempt to weaponize government power against dissent. ' The FCC's action targets the licenses of ABC's local stations, which are owned by Disney. No further details on the review process or potential outcomes were provided in the report.
Background on the Incident The controversy originated from Kimmel's comment during a broadcast. President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump responded by publicly demanding his removal from ABC. The FCC order followed shortly after, prompting Fonda's response.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
3 events- April 28, 2026
Jane Fonda issued a statement criticizing the FCC order on ABC licenses.
1 source@Variety - April 28, 2026
FCC issued an order requiring ABC stations to apply for early license renewals.
1 source@Variety - April 27, 2026
President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump called for Jimmy Kimmel's firing over a joke.
1 source@Variety
Potential Impact
- 01
The FCC review could lead to changes in ABC's broadcasting operations if licenses are affected.
- 02
Disney may face increased regulatory scrutiny on its media holdings.
- 03
Public debate on free speech in media might intensify following Fonda's statement.
Transparency Panel
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