Disney Sues FCC Over Early Review of ABC Station Licenses
Walt Disney is locked in a legal battle with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) over the agency's decision to initiate an early review of licenses for its eight ABC-owned television stations. Disney has filed a lawsuit alleging that the FCC is retaliating against the network for content that has drawn criticism from the Trump administration. The early license review directive, issued in April, marks the first such move in over 50 years and follows public pressure from President Donald Trump.
Disney's lawsuit argues that the FCC is using its regulatory authority to punish the company over programming that has not aligned with the administration's preferences. The suit characterizes the FCC's conduct as an 'extraordinary assault on free speech' and claims the agency is attempting to coerce and retaliate against 'a network that refuses to bow to the administration’s demands.' President Trump has repeatedly pressed broadcasters to cancel or alter shows that have mocked or criticized him or his administration.
A US judge is set to hold a hearing to determine whether to grant a temporary restraining order to halt the early license review process. Earlier, US District Judge Loren AliKhan declined to issue an order preventing the FCC from directing Disney’s ABC licenses to a public hearing. However, the FCC agreed to give the court at least 48 hours’ advance notice before taking such a step.
The FCC has also opened an investigation into ABC’s daytime talk program 'The View,' which discusses political topics, after indicating the show could fall under federal rules requiring broadcasters to give political candidates equal opportunities for airtime. Disney has pointed out that, starting in February, the program has not invited any political candidates to appear, attributing that decision to what it calls the FCC’s 'pressure campaign.' Additionally, tensions surfaced when Jimmy Kimmel stated that threats from the FCC prevented the broadcast of his interview with Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico during his show.