The chair of the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Brendan Carr, has launched an investigation into the diversity practices of Walt Disney and its ABC subsidiary, suggesting the company may have breached equal employment opportunity regulations.
In a letter to Disney Chief Executive Robert Iger, Carr stated that the company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives might not be in compliance with FCC rules. He expressed concern that recent changes to Disney’s internal policies may not sufficiently address potential discrimination.
“I want to ensure that Disney ends any and all discriminatory initiatives in substance, not just name,” Carr wrote.
The investigation forms part of a broader review by Carr, who assumed the chairmanship of the FCC following his appointment by President Donald Trump on 20 January. Carr has also issued similar letters to media and telecommunications giants Comcast and Verizon, launching parallel inquiries into their DEI policies.
A Disney spokesperson responded, saying, “We are reviewing the Federal Communications Commission’s letter, and we look forward to engaging with the commission to answer its questions.”
In recent weeks, Disney has amended its executive compensation structure, removing DEI goals as a performance metric. The company introduced a broader “talent strategy” standard, which it says aligns with its values and overall corporate mission.
Carr noted that the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau would be engaging with Disney to obtain a full account of its DEI-related programmes, policies, and practices.
Carr has taken an assertive approach since becoming chair, targeting several media entities. In December, ABC News agreed to contribute $15 million to former President Trump’s future presidential library as part of a settlement related to on-air comments by anchor George Stephanopoulos regarding the civil case brought against Trump by writer E. Jean Carroll.
In the early days of Carr’s tenure, the FCC reinstated a number of previously dismissed complaints — including those concerning the moderation of a televised debate between Trump and Joe Biden, and a “60 Minutes” interview with Vice President Kamala Harris. Complaints against NBC for allowing Harris to appear on “Saturday Night Live” shortly before the election were also revived.
Meanwhile, Trump is pursuing a $20 billion lawsuit against CBS, alleging that a “60 Minutes” interview was misleadingly edited to influence the outcome of the presidential election — a vote he claims to have won. CBS, owned by Paramount Global, urged the FCC to dismiss the complaint, but Carr rejected the request, insisting the investigation will proceed.
