Disney Sues FCC, Alleging Trump Administration Free Speech Retaliation

ABC-owned Disney filed a lawsuit against the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Tuesday, alleging the U.S. government agency is waging a "retaliatory campaign" against the network as part of the Trump Administration's effort to limit free speech. The lawsuit stems from the FCC's investigations into ABC, which Disney claims are motivated by disapproval of the network's programming.

The dispute between ABC and the FCC has been ongoing for nearly a year due to critical coverage of the President. In September, ABC suspended talk show host Jimmy Kimmel following pressure from the FCC, but Disney reinstated Kimmel after public backlash. However, Sinclair and Nexstar briefly refused to air Kimmel's show following its suspension.

The FCC also launched an investigation into ABC's morning talk show The View over what it deemed a violation of the Equal Time Rule. In April, the FCC initiated an early review of ABC's broadcast licenses for eight years before they were up for renewal, claiming it was due to concerns about the network's diversity, equity, and inclusion policies.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr later stated in July that ABC's decision not to air a presidential address in June would also be part of the license review process. The lawsuit seeks a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction to halt the FCC's early renewal process, which Disney describes as an "existential threat" to the network's business.