Disney Accuses FCC of Political Retaliation in Broadcast License Dispute

Attorneys for Walt Disney Co. have accused the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of retaliation in a federal court hearing. The company claims the Trump administration is targeting Disney's ABC television network over its news coverage and talk show comments. Disney is seeking a court order to block the FCC from conducting early reviews of eight ABC-owned broadcast licenses, which could lead to their revocation and disrupt operations.

The FCC initiated the reviews following President Donald Trump's criticism of ABC's coverage and comments by hosts like Jimmy Kimmel and Joy Behar. The agency cited a dispute over Disney's diversity policies as the reason for the reviews, but Disney argues this is a pretext for censorship. The FCC's last early license review occurred over 50 years ago, raising concerns about the timing and motives behind the current action.

Disney has faced backlash from Trump over specific incidents, including Kimmel's joke about Melania Trump and Behar's remarks about Trump's perceived jealousy of Barack Obama. The company also highlighted a 2024 lawsuit by Trump against ABC News and George Stephanopoulos, which was later settled. A bipartisan group of former FCC officials supported Disney's lawsuit, arguing that the early license review is unconstitutional and politically motivated.

U.S. District Court Judge Loren AliKahn expressed skepticism during the hearing, questioning the FCC's rationale for singling out Disney. The judge did not issue a ruling but ordered additional court filings. If the FCC proceeds with revocation, public hearings would follow, with at least 48 hours' notice given to Disney.