FCC to Investigate Disney/ABC for Employment Discrimination

On March 27, 2025, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr published a letter he sent to Disney/ABC announcing an investigation into their compliance with FCC EEO regulations by promoting “invidious forms of DEI discrimination.”  This marks the latest in a series of letters sent by the Chairman as he announces investigations of several major media ownership entities.

Through the investigation, the Chairman wants “to determine whether Disney’s actions—whether ongoing or recently ended—complied at all times with applicable FCC regulations” making it clear that recent changes in DEI policies will not absolve them from scrutiny.

As with other announced investigations, the Enforcement Bureau has not made their investigatory documents available publicly. While “material relating to FCC investigations or complaints” are required to be uploaded to the public file, it is possible that the Bureau is instructing recipients not to post investigatory letters or responses to the public file during the course of the investigation.

While Chairman Carr’s letter-announced investigations have so far targeted larger broadcasters, it appears clear that potential rule violations are a sufficient basis for launching investigations, even if there is no pending complaint.  As always, stations should be vigilant with FCC compliance matters.