Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro has delivered a firm response to the ongoing dispute between Disney and the Federal Communications Commission, saying the company will continue defending ABC’s journalistic independence despite regulatory pressure.
Speaking to CNBC during Disney’s D23 Expo, D’Amaro made clear that Disney does not intend to change how its news and entertainment operations are run.
“Our position on this is clear,”
he said, adding that the company is
“going to stand up to what we believe is journalistic integrity.”
Disney Pushes Back Against FCC Pressure
The dispute centers on the FCC’s review of the broadcast licenses held by eight Disney-owned ABC stations. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has said the review involves concerns about diversity, equity and inclusion practices, while Disney has argued that the regulatory action is connected to the content and viewpoints expressed across ABC programming.
ABC has particularly faced scrutiny surrounding programs including The View and Jimmy Kimmel Live!. ABC accused the FCC of conducting an “unprecedented” review because the agency allegedly objects to viewpoints expressed on its programs.
D’Amaro maintained that Disney will not allow the dispute to change its approach.
“We’re not going to be told how to run that side of our business,”
the CEO said during the CNBC interview.
The company previously sought early renewals for the affected ABC stations while objecting to the FCC order. Disney described that action as being taken “under protest,” while the FCC has maintained that its review is based on concerns about alleged DEI discrimination.
The controversy has also attracted attention from the American Civil Liberties Union, which filed a Freedom of Information Act request seeking information about the FCC’s decision. The ACLU has questioned whether government authority is being used to retaliate against broadcasters over protected speech.
For now, D’Amaro’s latest comments indicate that Disney intends to continue challenging the FCC’s actions while maintaining its position on ABC’s editorial independence.
