New York, Feb 8, 2026, 5:05 p.m. EST — The session wrapped up with markets shut for the day.
- Disney stock ended Friday higher, gaining 3.6% to close at $108.70.
- The FCC has launched a probe involving ABC’s “The View” over compliance with election “equal time” regulations.
- Investors are waiting to see if Disney makes a move before markets open again Monday.
Walt Disney Co shares could see action when U.S. markets open Monday, following word that regulators have launched an investigation connected to ABC’s daytime talk show “The View.” The stock finished Friday at $108.70, up 3.55%. 1
Timing is key here. Disney only recently stabilized following a volatile reaction to earnings, so any new regulatory risk tied to ABC could swiftly weigh on sentiment—even if the immediate numbers stay put.
Disney caught a lift from Friday’s sweeping rally, sending the Dow past the 50,000 mark for a record finish and boosting the S&P 500 roughly 2%. When the whole market’s surging, it can mask individual company concerns for a day or so, though those issues usually re-emerge before long. 2
The Federal Communications Commission is reviewing whether an appearance by Texas state Rep. James Talarico—who’s running as a Democrat for the Senate—triggers the “equal time” rule for other candidates. That rule requires broadcast stations to give any legally qualified candidate the same shot, though the FCC has recently clarified that neither daytime nor late-night talk shows get a free pass under the traditional “bona fide news” carve-out. FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez rejected the inquiry, calling it “government intimidation, not a legitimate investigation.” Disney and ABC News wouldn’t say anything in response. 3
Investors are still sorting through the latest earnings story. On Feb. 2, Disney flagged “headwinds” hitting international attendance at its U.S. parks and reported that operating profit in its entertainment division dropped 35% on the back of steep marketing spend—even as revenue climbed 5% to $26 billion and adjusted earnings cleared expectations. The company stuck with its outlook for double-digit per-share earnings growth and maintained plans to buy back $7 billion in shares. “The share price drop is very much to do with the parks business,” said Ben Barringer, head of technology research at Quilter Cheviot. 4
The FCC flap might not last long from a trading perspective. Investigations like this can stretch on, and actual enforcement of equal-time rules rarely happens. Still, it keeps political questions circling a company already watched for its news and entertainment holdings.
Investors aren’t ignoring the risks, either. Should the regulator toughen or broaden its approach, broadcasters may have to overhaul how they schedule candidates on talk shows—a potential headache, especially during campaign season.
The immediate question for Monday is straightforward: will Disney release any statements before the market opens? Investors, preoccupied lately with parks demand and streaming growth, may come up with new questions for management if the issue draws attention.
Looking past the upcoming session, Disney does have another date on the books. According to the company’s proxy statement, the 2026 annual meeting is set for Wednesday, March 18, at 10:00 a.m. Pacific, and will take place online. 5
