In a significant development, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has initiated an investigation into Disney's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices. This action comes from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, who expressed concerns in a letter sent to Disney and its ABC News branch, indicating that the company's promotion of diversity may not be aligned with government regulations.
Disney spokesperson confirmed that the company is currently reviewing the letter and anticipates engaging with the FCC to address its inquiries. This scrutiny into Disney's practices coincides with an intensified crackdown on DEI initiatives initiated by the previous Trump administration, which has repercussions stretching internationally. Recently, U.S. government contractors operating in France received letters urging compliance with an executive order from Trump that prohibits DEI programs.
In his correspondence with Disney's Chief Executive Officer, Robert Iger, Carr noted that it is paramount for Disney to eliminate any discriminatory initiatives. He emphasized the need for clarity on whether Disney's recent or current actions complied with the FCC's regulations. Carr, a Trump appointee since 2017, has increased oversight on various media firms, launching investigations into prominent companies like NPR and PBS, as well as questioning major technology players, including Apple and Google.
Disney has faced political scrutiny in the past, getting entangled in defamation lawsuits and ongoing disputes with Florida's Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, which were primarily sparked by the company's opposition to the state’s controversial "Don't Say Gay" law. The entertainment giant has been criticized by conservative factions for its perceived embrace of "woke" themes in its content.
Carr's letter mentioned the necessity of understanding Disney's diversity representation initiatives, indicating that the FCC seeks detailed insights into the company's DEI efforts and their adherence to equal employment opportunity regulations. Despite reports that Disney altered some of its DEI policies earlier this year, concerns surrounding these practices persist, raising questions about their implications on representation in Disney's programming and overall compliance.
