Disney, ABC Sue FCC Over Threats to Broadcast Licenses

Disney and its ABC unit have filed a lawsuit against the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), seeking to block an early review of broadcast licenses for eight ABC-affiliated stations. The media giant alleges that the Trump administration is leveraging regulatory power to punish the network for content critical of the president and his administration.

The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Washington, claims the FCC's actions are an "extraordinary assault on free speech" and an attempt to coerce and retaliate against a network that refuses to yield to the administration's demands. President Donald Trump has repeatedly called for ABC stations to lose their licenses, particularly after the network declined to air a prime-time speech on elections.

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an extraordinary assault on free speech

Disney argues that the FCC's move violates the company's First Amendment free speech rights, asserting that the agency is using its regulatory authority to retaliate against programming and editorial decisions it dislikes. The FCC, however, stated the review stemmed from a year-long investigation into Disney's diversity policies, an allegation the company denies.

U.S. District Judge Loren AliKhan has ordered both parties to propose a schedule for considering Disney's request for a temporary restraining order. The judge also mandated that the FCC notify her if it proceeds with revoking the ABC licenses, as the public comment period for the license renewal has recently closed.

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is using its regulatory power to retaliate against (Disney and ABC) for programming and editorial decisions the administration dislikes.