ABC says intimidation by Trump’s FCC forced programming changes

ABC and Disney have filed a lawsuit against the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), accusing the agency of utilizing intimidation tactics to force the television network to make programming compromises. The network alleges that it has been prevented from booking political candidates on its popular daytime talk show, "The View," out of fear of retaliation from the Trump administration.

FCC Chair Brendan Carr denies these allegations, stating that the agency is not infringing on Disney's free speech rights or responding to the president's dislike for specific content. The legal dispute highlights the strained relationship between Trump and the media, with the president repeatedly calling for the FCC to revoke the licenses of ABC stations following their refusal to air his election security speech.

The lawsuit claims that the FCC's early review of broadcast licenses for eight Disney-owned local TV stations has chilled the network's editorial decision-making, with ABC deciding not to broadcast Trump's speech and avoiding the booking of political candidates. The FCC has sought information related to political donations made by staff and requested access to communications regarding the airing of Talarico's appearance on "The View."