Disney Sues FCC Over Alleged Retaliation Against Protected Speech
The Walt Disney Company has filed a lawsuit against the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) over allegations that the agency is attempting to punish ABC for its editorial decisions. The FCC had ordered eight ABC-owned television stations to apply for license renewals years earlier than scheduled, citing an investigation into allegations of illegal DEI discrimination at Disney.
Disney CEO Josh D'Amaro stated, 'We're very principled on this,' and that the company would not be told how to run its business. The lawsuit argues that the FCC's actions are a clear case of retaliation against protected speech, and that the agency is using its regulatory authority to punish Disney for its programming.
ABC has produced over 13,000 pages of documents in response to the FCC's requests, but the company claims that the burden and uncertainty caused by the accelerated reviews are themselves part of the punishment. The case could have significant implications for the media industry, as a win by Disney could embolden other companies to push back against the FCC's threats.