The FCC is cracking down on “woke” corporate practices with Chairman Brendan Carr launching a major investigation into Disney and ABC. The probe targets whether their diversity and inclusion practices violate federal anti-discrimination laws in what could become a significant challenge to corporate DEI initiatives nationwide.
At a glance:
• FCC Chairman Brendan Carr is investigating Disney and ABC’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs for possible discrimination violations
• The investigation aims to ensure compliance with FCC regulations prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, or gender
• Disney has reportedly started scaling back some DEI initiatives following criticism but the FCC says “significant concerns remain”
• Disney plans to engage with the commission to address questions about their practices
• This marks the second major media company under FCC scrutiny for DEI policies, following a similar investigation into Comcast
FCC Takes Aim at Disney’s DEI Agenda
Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr has launched an investigation into Walt Disney Co. and its broadcast subsidiary ABC over their diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. The probe comes amid growing scrutiny of corporate DEI initiatives that critics argue may violate federal anti-discrimination laws.
In a letter addressed to Disney CEO Bob Iger, Carr stated the investigation will “ensure that Disney and ABC have not been violating FCC equal employment opportunity regulations by promoting invidious forms of DEI discrimination.” The Communications Act and FCC regulations explicitly prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, or gender.
Disney’s Controversial DEI Requirements Under Scrutiny
Carr’s concerns include Disney’s “Reimagine Tomorrow” initiative and mandatory “Inclusion Standards” that reportedly require 50% of characters and production staff to be from underrepresented groups. The company has also reportedly established racially-segregated affinity groups that have raised legal questions about compliance with federal regulations.
“As you know, Disney started out a century ago as an iconic American company. For decades, Disney focused on churning out box office and programming successes. But then something changed. Disney now has been embroiled in rounds of controversy surrounding its DEI policies,” Carr wrote in his letter to Iger.
Disney representatives acknowledged receipt of the FCC’s letter, stating, “We are reviewing the letter and look forward to engaging with the commission to answer its questions.”
Broader Implications for Corporate America
This investigation marks the second major media conglomerate targeted by the FCC for DEI practices, following a similar inquiry into Comcast Corp. Carr, a Trump appointee, has previously threatened to block mergers based on corporate DEI policies, leveraging the FCC’s authority to approve broadcast license sales.
Disney holds broadcast licenses for its local ABC affiliate stations, giving the FCC significant regulatory authority over the company. The investigation comes as many corporations have been adjusting their DEI policies in response to political pressures and legal challenges.
