FCC orders review of ABC licenses after Jimmy Kimmel’s Melania Trump joke

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has expedited the review process for eight local broadcasting licenses associated with ABC. This action follows recent criticism from the White House directed at late-night host Jimmy Kimmel for a joke he made concerning Melania Trump. Critics are interpreting the FCC's accelerated review as a potential instance of political retaliation against a media outlet perceived to be out of favor.

This situation raises concerns about the potential for political influence over regulatory bodies and the independence of broadcast media.