Disney's ABC files early broadcast licenses renewal 'under protest' against the FCC
ABC says the FCC’s unprecedented order could weaken independent journalism and leave viewers with less accountability reporting.
- On Thursday, ABC filed early license renewal applications for its eight owned local TV stations "under protest," accusing the Federal Communications Commission of issuing an "unlawful, arbitrary, and unconstitutional" order.
- FCC Chairman Brendan Carr ordered the accelerated renewals while investigating Disney's diversity practices, yet critics argue the timing signals political retaliation following late-night host Jimmy Kimmel's comments about First Lady Melania Trump.
- Disney argued the FCC "had not demanded early renewal in over five decades," stating the order has "no legitimate purpose" and is "plainly incompatible with the First Amendment."
- FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez, the agency's sole Democrat, denounced the reviews as an "egregious assault on the First Amendment," urging broadcasters to "stiffen their spine" against regulatory retaliation.
- Legal experts anticipate a protracted court battle over the filings, raising concerns that broadcasters may weigh regulatory retaliation before making editorial decisions, effectively chilling editorial independence.
70 Articles
70 Articles
Disney is calling Trump's FCC 'unconstitutional.' It paid him $15 million 2 years ago
Local TV stations owned by ABC across the United States blasted the Federal Communications Commission on Thursday for launching an “unlawful, arbitrary and unconstitutional” early review of their broadcast licenses as a dispute between the network and the Trump-controlled agency intensifies. “It is an extraordinary demonstration of power and coercion directed at disfavored editorial voices which sends a clear warning to every broadcaster in Amer…
Washington Top News
KVIAABC is laying the groundwork for a historic First Amendment battle. On Thursday, ABC filed paperwork to renew the licenses of its local television stations “under protest in response to an illegal, arbitrary, and unconstitutional order” from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). ABC attached an extraordinary objection letter accusing the Trump-aligned agency of using “unconstitutional retaliation and coercion” to threaten free speech.
ABC Files to Renew Licenses but Calls FCC Order Unlawful
ABC is taking the offensive in a fight it says is really about government pressure on speech. The Disney-owned network on Thursday submitted license renewal applications for its eight local TV stations as ordered to by the Federal Communications Commission, but ripped the agency for its decision to review the...
ABC Files Early Broadcast License Renewals with FCC Under Protest Amid Regulatory and Political Tensions
Disney’s ABC network has submitted renewal applications for the broadcast licenses of its eight owned-and-operated television stations to the Federal Communications Commission on an accelerated timeline mandated by regulators. The filings come with a formal objection, highlighting deep concerns over the unusual process and its potential implications for free speech and regulatory fairness. The FCC’s […] The post ABC Files Early Broadcast License…
ABC objects to 'unlawful' early license renewal for television stations
The Disney-owned ABC network filed early license renewal applications for its eight television stations on Thursday, fulfilling a demand set by the Federal Communications Commission. But in doing so, the media company objected to the agency’s “unlawful, arbitrary, and unconstitutional” April 28 order that started the early renewal process years before the scheduled license expiration date. The FCC gave ABC 30 days to comply with its demand. “The…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 44% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
