Disney, ABC sue US regulator over threats to broadcast licenses
WASHINGTON: Disney and its ABC unit sued the Federal Communications Commission on Tuesday to block an early review of licenses for eight ABC stations, arguing the Trump administration is trying to punish the network over its broadcast content. President Donald Trump has repeatedly urged broadcasters to drop comedy or news programs he dislikes or which have been critical, pressing the FCC on…
Disney and its ABC unit have taken legal action against the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to prevent an early review of licenses for eight of its stations. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Washington, alleges that the Trump administration is attempting to punish the network for its broadcast content. President Trump has repeatedly urged broadcasters to remove programs he finds unfavorable or critical of his administration.
The lawsuit claims that the FCC is coercing and retaliating against "a network that refuses to bow to the administration's demands." Disney and ABC have requested a temporary restraining order to halt license renewal proceedings and prevent the FCC from scheduling a hearing. They argue that the public comment period has ended, and the FCC could act at any time.
Disney asserts that the administration is violating the company's First Amendment free speech rights by attacking the network's journalism and the viewpoints aired on its programs. The lawsuit names Asad Ayaz as the chief marketing officer. FCC Chair Brendan Carr ordered the reviews in April, even though license renewals were not scheduled before October 2028. This was the first such early review in more than 50 years.
The FCC had not ordered an early review before April, following Trump's urging for ABC to fire late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. While license revocations are rare, critics argue that the threat of losing a license can pressure broadcasters and raise concerns about government interference in editorial decisions. Networks enjoy broad First Amendment protections over programming choices.
Trump called for the FCC to revoke ABC's licenses in November after criticizing an ABC News correspondent for questioning Saudi Arabia's crown prince about a Washington Post columnist's murder. The FCC is also investigating ABC's daytime talk show "The View," which covers U.S. politics, for potential violation of federal rules requiring broadcasters to provide equal opportunities to political candidates.
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