#SHOWBIZ: Disney lawyer says US seeks to censor, control ABC broadcasts

Walt Disney has filed a lawsuit against the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in an attempt to block the agency's early review of licenses for eight company-owned ABC TV stations. Disney's lawyer, Beth Wilkinson, claims that President Donald Trump's administration is attempting to censor and punish the company for airing content it disapproves of.

This case is a significant test for broadcasters' free speech rights under the First Amendment of the US Constitution. The lawsuit highlights concerns that the administration is using the FCC to retaliate against Disney for its editorial decisions, such as not carrying a live broadcast of President Trump's speech criticizing election security.

The case has drawn comparisons to the French Revolution, with Wilkinson likening the situation to being under a guillotine. The FCC has agreed to provide at least 48 hours' notice to the court before proceeding with the early review, which is scheduled to be decided by US District Judge Loren AliKhan.

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