The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the U.S. agency responsible for regulating television and radio, has commenced an investigation into Disney’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices, marking a significant expansion of scrutiny on media organizations. The inquiry was prompted by FCC chairman Brendan Carr, who issued a letter to Disney and its ABC News subsidiary expressing concerns that the company’s approach to diversity may violate government regulations.
Disney’s spokesperson has stated that the company is currently reviewing the communication and is prepared to respond to the regulator's inquiries. Carr’s letter notably highlights the need to assure that Disney's initiatives, whether active or recently concluded, adhere to FCC rules against discrimination in equal employment opportunities.
This investigation occurs against a backdrop of intensified governmental scrutiny on DEI practices, coinciding with actions taken during the Trump administration to dismantle such initiatives across American corporations. A recent occurrence saw U.S. embassies, including France, push companies with U.S. government contracts to sign agreements that align with Trump’s executive order against DEI programs, emphasizing the international reach of these regulations.
In Carr’s correspondence to Disney's CEO Robert Iger, he articulated a commitment to ensuring Disney’s anti-discriminatory practices are genuine, rather than superficial. He underscored as vital the assessment of Disney's representation in character diversity and its policies promoting inclusive initiatives.
Disney has faced prior political controversies, notably paying $15 million to settle a defamation lawsuit originating from comments made by an ABC anchor about Donald Trump, as well as ongoing tensions with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who publicly clashed with the company over policies deemed “woke” in education. In recent months, Disney has made adjustments to its DEI policies in response to the criticisms.
The FCC’s investigation joins a series of probes into major media and tech firms, aimed at evaluating their adherence to regulations regarding the fairness and representation in media content. As Disney confronts these latest challenges, the outcomes could redefine the landscape of diversity representation in the entertainment industry.
