NAB Condemns Carr’s Move Against ABC
• The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) is criticizing Trump-aligned FCC Chairman Brendan Carr for his demand for an early renewal of the broadcast licenses of ABC’s eight TV stations in the wake of a recent monologue joke told by Jimmy Kimmel. Those eight licenses are currently set to expire between 2028 and 2031; however, Carr’s order now gives ABC until May 28 to submit renewal applications.
In response to what is perceived as Carr’s retaliatory action against Disney and ABC, NAB President & CEO Curtis LeGeyt issued the following statement: “The FCC’s broadcast license renewal process must be grounded in predictability, fairness and transparency, principles reflected in the license terms Congress established and later extended. The Media Bureau’s nearly unprecedented request for one company to quickly reapply for all of its licenses — rather than utilize its traditional enforcement process — runs contrary to these principles and creates significant uncertainty for all broadcasters.”
The statement continues: “Broadcast stations already face intense challenges as they work to deliver trusted journalism, lifesaving emergency services, community programming and election coverage. The FCC must be careful to avoid actions that create further instability for the local stations viewers and listeners depend on.”
In a statement Tuesday, Disney said it was “confident” it would receive renewals.
