On September 25, 2023, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) notified The Walt Disney Company and its ABC division about an impending investigation concerning the company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The FCC seeks to ensure compliance with equal employment opportunity regulations, specifically questioning whether Disney’s DEI practices may have fostered discrimination.

Details of the Investigation

The FCC’s inquiry, mentioned in a letter sent on a Friday, aims to ascertain whether the media conglomerate has inadvertently engaged in discriminatory practices through its DEI efforts. The Commission is particularly interested in preventing any forms of discrimination that could violate existing employment regulations.

Disney’s Response

In response to the FCC’s investigation announcement, a spokesperson for Disney stated, “We are reviewing the Federal Communications Commission’s letter, and we look forward to engaging with the commission to answer its questions.” This reply indicates the company’s willingness to cooperate with the regulatory body in addressing its concerns.

Context and Background

The investigation follows a similar initiative that FCC Chairman Brendan Carr launched against Comcast and NBCUniversal earlier in 2023. This increased scrutiny appears to be rooted in broader governmental efforts to reevaluate DEI practices in U.S. corporations following an executive order issued by former President Donald Trump in January of the same year. This order directed federal agencies to identify potential investigations related to civil compliance among publicly traded firms and nonprofit organizations.

In the correspondence addressed to Disney’s CEO, Bob Iger, Carr highlighted a shift in the company’s direction over the years, noting the controversies surrounding Disney’s DEI policies. “For decades, Disney focused on churning out box office and programming successes,” Carr mentioned in the letter. “But then something changed. Disney has now been embroiled in rounds of controversy surrounding its DEI policies.”

Disclosure

It is essential to note that Comcast serves as the parent company of NBCUniversal, which also owns CNBC, the outlet reporting on these developments.