Core Viewpoint - Disney's decision to remove "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" from ABC highlights the federal government's control over broadcast licenses and the implications of political bias in media [1][12][20]. Group 1: Government Control and Broadcast Licenses - The federal government regulates broadcast licenses, requiring networks to operate in the "public interest, convenience and necessity" [10][11]. - The FCC has the authority to revoke licenses if a network is deemed not to serve the public interest, which could lead to local stations going dark [16][18]. - Recent comments from President Trump and FCC Chair Brendan Carr suggest a focus on perceived media bias, with threats to revoke licenses from networks that are "against" the administration [2][12][14]. Group 2: Impact on Broadcast Networks - ABC, along with other major networks like NBC and CBS, is part of a system that relies on government-licensed spectrum for broadcasting [5][9]. - The shift in how consumers access programming, moving from free over-the-air to pay TV and streaming, has not significantly altered the underlying broadcast model [8][24]. - Local broadcast stations, such as those owned by Nexstar and Sinclair, are subject to federal limits on ownership, which may impact their ability to consolidate further [22][24]. Group 3: Industry Consolidation and Financial Implications - Nexstar's recent decision to preempt "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" reflects the growing influence of local station owners in programming decisions [20]. - Nexstar is pursuing a $6.2 billion merger with Tegna, which could change the landscape of broadcast ownership regulations [21]. - The decline in pay-TV subscribers is affecting the profitability of broadcast networks, as retransmission fees from distributors like Charter are a significant revenue source [25].