Trump admin fights ABC lawsuit as watchdogs worry Disney will settle with FCC
FCC tells court it is “open-minded" about whether ABC should lose licenses.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requested a court to dismiss a lawsuit filed by Disney, allowing the FCC to continue a proceeding that could result in the nonrenewal of ABC's broadcast licenses. Two watchdog groups and individual viewers of ABC stations are attempting to intervene in the lawsuit, expressing concern that Disney may settle with the FCC in a manner not in the public's best interest.
Disney contested the motion, and a judge must determine whether the groups and individuals can act as interveners in the case. Disney alleged that the FCC is conducting a "campaign of censorship" aimed at retaliating against ABC for speech President Trump disagrees with. During the lawsuit proceedings, Trump further denounced the media last weekend by demanding the FCC take action against an NBC journalist for stating he has "mixed results" in his election endorsements.
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