CA, US & World
FCC Orders Disney to Renew ABC Station Licenses Early, Citing DEI Probe
The Federal Communications Commission has ordered all eight Disney-owned ABC television stations to file for broadcast license renewals early, years before those licenses are actually set to expire. Disney has until May 28th to comply.
The FCC says the early renewals are part of an ongoing investigation into Disney's diversity, equity and inclusion practices, which began last year. If the renewals aren't granted, the affected stations would lose the ability to broadcast entirely. Those stations include some of the country's largest, serving cities like New York, Los Angeles and Chicago. Most of the hundreds of ABC affiliates across the country are owned by other media companies and are not affected.
Former FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler, who led the agency under President Obama, called the move extraordinary. "Let me be real specific," Wheeler said. "It has been 40 years since the FCC revoked a license, a broadcast television license."
The order also comes in the middle of a very public clash between President Trump and ABC late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. A source with knowledge of the matter tells NBC News that Kimmel's recent comments about First Lady Melania Trump will now be folded into the FCC's review. The controversy began when Kimmel, during a sketch ahead of the White House Correspondents' Dinner, joked that Melania had "a glow like an expectant widow." Melania Trump called the remarks "hateful and violent rhetoric," and President Trump called for Kimmel's firing.
Kimmel pushed back this week, saying the joke was "a very light roast" about the age gap between the couple. "It was not, by any stretch of the definition, a call to assassination," he said. He also addressed Melania's statement directly on air: "I agree that hateful and violent rhetoric is something we should reject, and I think a great place to start would be to have a conversation with your husband about it."
Disney responded to the FCC's order saying ABC and its stations are in "full compliance with FCC rules." The company has a new CEO, Josh D'Amaro, who took over just last month.
By: NBC Palm Springs
April 29, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
What’s next for Palm Desert? Join community leaders, local businesses and regional stakeholders for the 2026 State of the City Address. Topics: • Economic Development • Infrastructure • Public Safety • Community Programs • Palm Desert’s Future CTA: Friday, September 18 | 11:30 AM JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort
Former Silvercrest CEO, William Rodriguez is expected back in court today in connection with the deadly 2024 Cathedral City hit and run that killed a woman. The murder charge was dismissed, but Rodriguez still faces felony hit and run and suspended license charges.
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
Murder suspect Vicky Kim has once again not been cleared to appear in court. Kim is accused of killing her husband at their Palm Desert condominium complex. Her arraignment has now been delayed three times. Stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs as we track the latest developments in this case. #VickyKim #PalmDesert #CoachellaValley #BreakingNews #CourtUpdate NBCPalmSprings
Palm Springs is mourning the loss of beloved entertainer James “Gypsy” Haake, who has died at 94. Haake began his entertainment career at just 19 years old as a Broadway chorus dancer. After retiring from the stage, he returned to performing at 82, becoming the host of Carnival Cabaret at Oscars in downtown Palm Springs. A longtime friend of our station, Haake was a familiar and beloved figure in the Palm Springs entertainment community — and his contributions were recognized with a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars. His career spanned more than seven decades, proving that the spotlight never truly left him. ❤️ Rest in peace, James “Gypsy” Haake. Your legacy will live on in Palm Springs. #JamesGypsyHaake #PalmSprings #PalmSpringsWalkOfStars #CarnivalCabaret #PalmSpringsEntertainment #OscarsPalmSprings #PalmSpringsHistory
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1) Sterling Conley with the rushing TD, 2) Marcus Kennedy with the touchdown catch, 3) Cade Pinon with the big time sack, 4) Kingston Pellum with the pick-6, or 5) Caleb Hartwell with the saving throw #fypage #fridaynightlights #football #hondaofthedesert #highschoolfootball
James Nellis from @dsrt_club_lq and @rd_rnnr_lq makes us one of his signature dishes, his Maine scallops with hibiscus puree. His creativity and skill lead to unique bold flavors and scrumptious dishes. We chat about his love of trying new things in the kitchen, what being a chef means to him, and how food can different, flavorful, and fun. This is James Nellis on a plate. See it now on nbcpalmsprings.com
At the annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Morongo Casino Resort & Spa, first responders, families and community members came together to honor the lives lost—and the heroes who answered the call 25 years ago on September 11, 2001. Two first responders who responded to opposite sides of the World Trade Center met for the first time at the event, sharing a powerful moment of remembrance and connection. 26 flights. Three times. One enduring message: Never Forget. #NeverForget #September11 #911Memorial #MemorialStairClimb #FirstResponders HonorAndRemember 911
Palm Desert’s future takes center stage next week. The Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce presents the 2026 State of the City Address & Luncheon on Friday, September 18, at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort. The event brings together local business leaders, community members and city stakeholders for an inside look at the priorities, opportunities and future of Palm Desert. Friday, September 18 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort Palm Desert Individual tickets are $85 for Chamber members and $95 for non-members. Get the details and registration information from the Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce. #PalmDesert #StateOfTheCity #CoachellaValley #PalmDesertBusiness #GreaterPalmSprings #PalmDesertChamber