Importance Score: 65 / 100 🔴
FCC Investigates Disney’s Diversity and Inclusion Practices
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the United States government agency overseeing television broadcasting, has initiated an inquiry into Disney’s diversity and inclusion (DEI) policies. This action marks the latest instance of growing scrutiny on media corporations regarding their DEI initiatives.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr Announces Investigation
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr formally notified Disney and its ABC News division of the investigation via a letter dispatched on Friday. The chairman articulated that the probe was triggered by apprehensions that the media conglomerate’s promotion of diversity might not be in accordance with federal regulations.
Disney Responds to FCC Inquiry
A Disney representative stated that the company is currently reviewing the FCC’s letter and is prepared to cooperate with the investigation.
“We anticipate engaging with the commission to address their inquiries,” the spokesperson affirmed in a released statement.
Investigation Amidst Broader Scrutiny of DEI
The FCC’s investigation into Disney’s DEI protocols unfolds amidst a wider examination of such practices, particularly amplified by the previous administration. This scrutiny extends beyond U.S. borders.
This week, French firms holding contracts with the U.S. government received correspondence from the American embassy in France. The letter urged these companies to endorse and adhere to the former administration’s executive order that places restrictions on DEI programs.
The communication emphasized that this executive order “applies to all suppliers and service providers of the U.S. government, irrespective of their nationality or country of operation.”
Concerns Over Discriminatory DEI Initiatives
In his letter to Disney CEO Robert Iger, Chairman Carr expressed his objective to ensure the media giant “ends any and all discriminatory initiatives in substance, not just in name.”
He further stated his intent to “determine whether Disney’s actions – whether ongoing or recently concluded – have consistently complied with pertinent FCC regulations.”
Carr’s Increased Scrutiny of Media Companies
Brendan Carr, who has served on the FCC since 2017 and was appointed chairman, has intensified oversight of media entities. This includes launching inquiries into NPR and PBS and requesting data from major technology firms like Apple and Google concerning their algorithms that influence news article rankings.
The FCC has also announced investigations into Verizon and Comcast, along with its media division NBCUniversal, concerning their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
Disney’s DEI Policy Adjustments and Lingering Concerns
Disney, renowned for its animated classics and theme parks, implemented revisions to its DEI policies earlier in the year.
“While reports indicate Disney recently scaled back some DEI programs, significant concerns persist,” Carr noted in his letter.
“I seek assurance that Disney and ABC have not violated FCC equal employment opportunity regulations by endorsing discriminatory forms of DEI,” he elaborated.
Carr communicated his need for information regarding policies governing diversity representation in its characters, among other DEI initiatives.
Disney’s History as a Political Target
This FCC inquiry is not the inaugural instance of Disney becoming a political target.
Last year, Disney reached a $15 million settlement in a defamation lawsuit initiated by Donald Trump. The lawsuit stemmed from a false statement made by an ABC anchor, alleging the former president had been found “liable for rape.”
A New York jury had previously determined Trump responsible for “sexual abuse,” a term with a specific legal definition in New York law.
Republican Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida also engaged in a prolonged dispute with Disney after the company publicly opposed a state law, known as “Don’t Say Gay,” which limited classroom discussions about sexuality in schools.
Disney has faced prior criticism from conservative groups for allegedly incorporating “woke” themes into its film productions.