ABC is facing a complex decision on whether to keep Jimmy Kimmel on his late-night show, with business and regulatory considerations at play. Federal inquiries, including antitrust and programming violations, are complicating matters, especially with FCC Chairman Brendan Carr calling Kimmel’s comments “truly sick.”

Disney, ABC’s parent company, has faced scrutiny from the Trump administration, leading to investigations and legal battles. Kimmel’s suspension this week after controversial remarks has sparked further controversy, with two major ABC affiliates choosing not to air his show. Disney’s $15 million settlement with Trump over a defamation lawsuit has not spared them from continued challenges.

The FCC has raised concerns about Disney’s hiring practices and representation of underrepresented groups in its shows. A deal with FuboTV is under investigation for antitrust violations, and Disney settled a case with the FTC over gathering children’s personal data. Approval from the Trump administration is needed for ESPN’s acquisition of the NFL Network.

Conservatives have criticized Disney for various reasons, from closing rides based on controversial themes to the handling of political issues. Companies like Nexstar and Sinclair, which disavowed Kimmel’s comments, are facing their own regulatory challenges. Calls for standing up for free speech and against government coercion have emerged from various quarters, including ex-Disney CEO Michael Eisner and conservative editorial voices.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: Web of business interests shows that Kimmel’s future rests on far more than his jokes