US judge rejects Disney bid for quick hearing in FCC lawsuit

A U.S. judge has denied Disney's bid for an expedited hearing in its legal challenge against the Federal Communications Commission. Disney sought an urgent hearing to block the FCC's early review of broadcast licenses for its eight ABC-owned stations.

U.S. District Judge Loren AliKhan in Washington rejected Disney's request for a hearing by Tuesday. The government had argued that an immediate hearing was unnecessary. The FCC has committed to providing at least 48 hours' notice before referring Disney's ABC licenses for a hearing, a move that could impact the company's broadcast operations.

The legal battle is seen as a significant test of broadcasters' free speech rights, particularly amid President Donald Trump's repeated criticisms of ABC and calls for its licenses to be revoked. Trump has targeted the network over its programming, including its refusal to air a prime-time speech on elections.

Disney's lawsuit contends that the FCC is attempting to coerce and retaliate against the network for not complying with the administration's demands, describing the agency's actions as an "extraordinary assault on free speech." The FCC, however, maintains that the lawsuit lacks merit. The judge has directed both parties to submit legal briefs by September 24, with a hearing scheduled for early October to discuss the matter further. She also stipulated that if the FCC issues a hearing order, both sides must appear in court the following day to argue for or against a temporary restraining order.

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We are pleased that the judge has now rejected Disney’s meritless attempt to rush into court. The court also sided with the FCC over Disney on the schedule going forward and has declined Disney’s request for an immediate injunction.