Disney Sues FCC, Alleges Political Retaliation in Fight Over ABC Broadcast Licences
ABC and Disney say the FCC’s early license review and threats have chilled journalism and prompted programming changes across the network.
- ABC and its parent company, Disney, filed a federal lawsuit last week challenging the Federal Communications Commission and Chair Brendan Carr over an unprecedented early review of eight ABC-owned broadcast station licenses.
- President Donald Trump initiated the pressure after criticizing ABC's news coverage, prompting Carr to announce the early review the day after Trump objected to a joke on Jimmy Kimmel Live.
- A bipartisan group of former FCC officials argues the agency launched "an assault on free speech disguised as regulatory process" to punish speech disfavored by the Trump administration.
- Regulatory threats have already caused ABC to suspend Jimmy Kimmel Live for a week and halt The View's political candidate interviews, as networks fear FCC objections pose existential threats.
- Disney and ABC argue the intimidation campaign violates the Constitution, seeking a swift resolution to end what they characterize as an un-American effort to control broadcast output.
18 Articles
18 Articles
The Billings Gazette
ABC is correct to fight against the FCC’s bullying
Good going by ABC for suing the Federal Communications Commission and Chair Brendan Carr over his effort to require eight local ABC-owned broadcast stations (including New York, L.A. and Chicago) to submit to license renewals years ahead of schedule, announced…
ABC is correct to fight against the FCC’s bullying (Editorial)
After President Donald Trump all but ordered Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr to revoke ABC’s broadcast licenses while raging against late night host Jimmy Kimmel, the broadcaster hit back.
Their View: ABC is correct to fight against the FCC’s bullying
Good going by ABC for suing the Federal Communications Commission and Chair Brendan Carr over his effort to require eight local ABC-owned broadcast stations (including New York, L.A. and Chicago) to submit to license renewals years ahead of schedule, announced…
Disney Sues FCC, Alleges Political Retaliation in Fight Over ABC Broadcast Licences
WASHINGTON, United States — Disney and its ABC television network have sued the Federal Communications Commission, accusing the agency of using its regulatory authority to punish the broadcaster for programming opposed by President Donald Trump. The complaint, filed on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, alleges that the FCC’s investigations and early review of eight ABC station licences vi…
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