FCC Investigates Disney DEI Hiring Practices

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the U.S. regulator overseeing television and satellite content, has opened an investigation into The Walt Disney Company and its ABC network to assess whether their employment practices comply with federal equal opportunity regulations.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr notified Disney CEO Robert A. Iger of the inquiry in a letter, prompting the company to pledge its cooperation. The probe follows scrutiny of Disney’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, which Carr suggested may have influenced hiring decisions in ways that deviate from merit-based standards.

Disney’s DEI Policies Under Scrutiny

In his letter, Carr acknowledged Disney’s history of producing successful films and television programs but raised concerns about a shift in priorities. “For decades, Disney focused on churning out box office and programming successes,” he wrote. “But then something changed. Disney has now been embroiled in rounds of controversy surrounding its DEI policies.”

While Carr did not specify the nature of the alleged violations, he asserted that Disney had “embedded explicit race- and gender-based criteria across its operations” in recent years. The inquiry comes amid broader debates over corporate DEI policies, which have drawn both support and criticism in the U.S.

The dispute echoes a 2022 clash between Disney and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis over a state law limiting classroom discussions on sexual orientation and gender identity. At the time, Disney publicly opposed the measure, sparking a prolonged legal and political battle.

A Disney spokesperson said Friday that the company is reviewing the FCC’s letter and “look forward to engaging with the commission to answer its questions.” The statement did not address Carr’s specific allegations.

Last month, Disney revised some of its diversity-focused policies, including shutting down a website dedicated to promoting underrepresented voices. The company also altered pre-movie disclaimers, replacing language about “negative depictions” of cultures with a more neutral statement that films are presented “as originally created” and may reflect outdated stereotypes.

The FCC has not provided a timeline for the investigation’s completion.