(NEW YORK)— PEN America today criticized the Trump administration for what appears to be “blatant intimidation” in the FCC’s ordering an early license review for ABC.
The FCC tied its order for early review of broadcasting licenses for eight ABC stations to the federal agency’s investigation of DEI policies at its parent company, Disney. However, the timing of the FCC’s action came just one day after President Trump called for the firing of ABC late night host Jimmy Kimmel for a joke he made on air about First Lady Melania Trump.
Jonathan Friedman, Sy Syms managing director of U.S. Free Expression Programs, said: “People aren’t stupid. One day President Trump demands Disney and ABC fire Jimmy Kimmel over his jokes, and lo and behold, the next day, his administration sics the FCC on ABC to investigate the network’s licensing. If comedians can’t make jokes about the President without fear of blatant government retaliation, then what’s the First Amendment for? This is free speech 101. Once again the Trump administration is abusing federal regulatory power to silence the president’s critics. We call on Disney, ABC’s parent company, to stand firm in the face of this blatant intimidation and fight for the First Amendment.”
About PEN America
PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Our mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible. Learn more at pen.org.
Contact: Suzanne Trimel, [email protected], 201-247-5057