The Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has initiated an investigation into Disney Co. and its ABC network regarding their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices. This action is part of a broader examination of media and telecom companies for alleged discriminatory biases.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr instructed the agency’s Enforcement Bureau to verify whether Disney and ABC have adhered to FCC’s equal employment opportunity regulations, without engaging in discriminatory DEI practices. Carr specifically criticized Disney’s policies, such as the "Reimagine Tomorrow" initiative aimed at promoting DEI across the company. He highlighted ABC’s standard requiring "50% of regular and recurring characters" to come from "underrepresented groups," as stated in a letter he addressed to Disney’s Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger, which was posted on X.
Carr remarked that Disney, originally an iconic American company, has encountered multiple controversies related to its DEI policies. Since his appointment by President Donald Trump earlier this year, Carr has issued similar correspondence to Verizon Communications Inc. and Comcast Corp. He indicated in a statement to Bloomberg that a company’s DEI practices could influence its prospects for merger approval.
Carr acknowledged Disney’s recent reduction of certain DEI initiatives but expressed ongoing concerns. Earlier this year, Disney announced the termination of the Reimagine Tomorrow program. The company is also removing diversity considerations from the criteria used to determine manager compensation.
In response, 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."
Moreover, Disney faced a wave of criticism with the release of its modern adaptation of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The film, which reached theaters earlier this month, stirred controversy over the casting of a Colombian actress in the titular role and the reimagining of the seven dwarfs.
This report was originally published on Fortune.com.
