FCC Opens Inquiry Into Disney’s ABC Affiliate Contracts After Kimmel Dispute

Overview

• Regulators will examine how Disney’s agreements with ABC affiliates restrict preempting network shows and impose penalties on local stations.
• Nexstar and Sinclair publicly criticized Disney’s handling of the Kimmel episode and urged the agency to scrutinize affiliate terms.
• The proceeding could lead to changes that give local broadcasters more latitude to prioritize regional programming without financial repercussions.
• Industry stakes include shifting power between national networks and local stations as more content migrates to streaming services like Disney+.
• Coverage characterizes the action as driven by Trump-era FCC leadership, with the process unfolding through a formal inquiry and public input.