Disney Calls FCC’s License Review a ‘Guillotine’ for ABC

A lawyer representing ABC and its parent company, Walt Disney Co., has asked a judge to halt an early review of its licenses by the Trump administration, describing the process as a 'guillotine' looming over the broadcaster. The request was presented to US District Judge Loren AliKhan in Washington during a hearing on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.

The Disney legal team is seeking a temporary order to pause the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) early renewal process while their lawsuit against the agency progresses. The early renewal process is seen as a significant threat to ABC’s operations, with the lawyer’s dramatic comparison underscoring the urgency of the situation.

Judge AliKhan is currently reviewing the arguments and will decide whether to grant the request to block the FCC’s review. The outcome could have major implications for ABC’s broadcasting licenses and the broader media landscape.