The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has opened an investigation into the Walt Disney Company. They’re scrutinizing the company’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts tied to its ABC division. This change follows an executive order signed by then-President Donald Trump in January. The order was part of a broader anti-DEI crusade aimed at ending the practice in U.S. business. The FCC’s letter, dated Friday, outlines their intention to inspect up to nine potential civil compliance cases among publicly-traded companies, nonprofits, and other institutions.
The FCC’s 9th Circuit mandated jurisdiction over the media and telecom industries. It is resolved to ensure that Disney and ABC comply with equal employment opportunity laws. An FCC official stated that the investigation’s purpose is to “ensure that Disney and ABC have not been violating FCC equal employment opportunity regulations by promoting invidious forms of DEI discrimination.”
Of note, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr—also appointed by President Trump—had previously initiated a similar probe against Comcast and NBCUniversal. The investigations into both media giants remain ongoing as the FCC exercises its authority to conduct civil compliance inquiries within the industry.
Disney has confirmed it received the FCC’s letter and said it looks forward to working with the commission. A Disney spokesperson stated, “We are reviewing the Federal Communications Commission’s letter, and we look forward to engaging with the commission to answer its questions.”
The executive order signed by Trump emphasizes the identification of “up to nine potential civil compliance investigations” which include organizations like Disney that might be subject to scrutiny under this directive. The ultimate goal appears to be to eliminate current DEI policies that are considered out of step with the order’s instructions.