Disney, ABC sue US regulator over threats to broadcast licenses

Disney and ABC filed a lawsuit against the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Tuesday, seeking to halt an early review of licenses for eight ABC stations. The dispute centers around claims that the Trump administration is attempting to punish the network due to its broadcast content. President Trump has repeatedly urged broadcasters to drop content he dislikes or that criticizes him or his administration, and has repeatedly pressed the FCC to revoke ABC's licenses.

Disney stated in its lawsuit that the FCC's actions are an extraordinary assault on free speech and represent a coercive and retaliatory move against a network that refuses to comply with the administration's demands. The court case aims to test the free speech rights of media outlets. Disney and ABC have requested a temporary restraining order to prevent the FCC from scheduling a hearing and to halt license renewal proceedings.

The court case will determine if the FCC is violating Disney's and ABC's First Amendment rights by using its regulatory power to retaliate against the network for programming and editorial decisions the administration finds unfavorable.

The FCC initiated the early review in April, despite the license renewals not being set for consideration until October 2028. The agency has not ordered an early review in over 50 years before April. Disney remains uncertain about the outcome, and FCC Chair Brendan Carr has not made a final decision on whether to begin the process of revoking Disney's ABC licenses. Carr explained that the FCC follows the facts and the law and will continue to act accordingly.