ABC sues FCC over "retaliatory campaign" against its programming
The Disney-owned network says that letting the FCC review its broadcasting licenses "would be a charade."
ABC has initiated legal action against the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), alleging that the agency's investigations and procedures are part of a retaliatory campaign targeting the network's freedom of speech. The lawsuit, as reported by Deadline, is described as "unprecedented." ABC seeks to halt the early license renewal process ordered by FCC Chair Brendan Carr for eight of its stations.
The network claims that any FCC adjudication would be a "charade" and insists that the Commission cannot lawfully grant renewal in the early stages of the license term. ABC's lawsuit comes as the FCC begins the adjudication process, although it is expected to start this month. The network also requests a restraining order to prevent the FCC from coercing or threatening it with sanctions to alter its editorial discretion.
The ongoing dispute between ABC and the FCC has been ongoing for nearly a year. Last September, Jimmy Kimmel's show was briefly removed from air following comments made in response to the death of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. Since then, the FCC has been particularly aggressive in its scrutiny of The View.
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