Disney, ABC Sue FCC, Claiming Retaliation Over License Review

The Walt Disney Company and its subsidiary ABC have filed a lawsuit against the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), accusing the agency of a "retaliatory campaign" and violating their First Amendment rights. The core of the dispute lies in the FCC's demand for early license renewals for ABC's television stations, a process that was not originally scheduled until between 2028 and 2031.

Filed in a federal court in Washington, D.C., the lawsuit seeks to block the FCC's early renewal request. ABC and Disney argue that this move is an attempt by the agency, acting on behalf of the current administration, to intervene in or influence ABC's editorial decisions. The complaint asserts that the FCC's regulatory actions are designed to punish ABC specifically because the administration disapproves of the content and viewpoints broadcast by the network.

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Acting through the Federal Communications Commission, the Administration has waged a retaliatory campaign against ABC for a single reason: it disapproves of what ABC broadcasts.

"Acting through the Federal Communications Commission, the Administration has waged a retaliatory campaign against ABC for a single reason: it disapproves of what ABC broadcasts," the 45-page complaint states. This accusation follows an April order from the FCC for an accelerated review of Disney's ABC-owned stations. While the FCC cited an ongoing investigation into the company's diversity, equity, and inclusion practices, experts have suggested the timing was "highly suspect."

Experts also noted that the FCC has the authority to revoke broadcast licenses, but this would involve a very high legal threshold. Declining to renew the licenses is another possibility, though it would likely trigger a lengthy legal battle. The FCC chairman, Brendan Carr, has previously expressed concerns about the state of national news media, stating, "we are so much better off as a country having a respected national news media, and we're not there right now." Disney declined to comment on the lawsuit, which involves eight TV stations, including major affiliates in New York and Los Angeles.

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we are so much better off as a country having a respected national news media, and we're not there right now.