Disney Sues FCC Over Alleged Retaliation Against ABC

The Walt Disney Company and its ABC television unit have sued the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) over the government's power to review broadcast licenses. The companies are seeking to stop the FCC from accelerating license-renewal proceedings for eight ABC-owned television stations.

Disney argues that the unusual review is retaliation for programming and news coverage criticized by President Donald Trump and his administration, according to Reuters.

The dispute comes as the FCC is reshaping rules governing the broadcast industry. The commission has recently decided to eliminate a longstanding limit that prevented a single owner from reaching more than 39% of U.S. television households.

Disney's lawsuit centers on constitutional and administrative-law claims, rather than a conventional antitrust complaint. However, the fight underscores the expanding influence of federal regulators over the competitive landscape for television.