Disney Sues FCC Over License Renewals Amid Trump Criticism

The Walt Disney Company and its network ABC have filed a federal lawsuit against the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) over what they claim is retaliatory action.

The suit, which was filed on behalf of eight ABC-owned television stations in Los Angeles, Fresno, San Francisco, New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Raleigh-Durham, and Houston, argues that the FCC's decision to call home its licenses was a result of criticism from President Donald Trump over the network's programming.

The lawsuit alleges that the early license renewal demand was in response to ABC's speech, which the Administration deemed unfavorable. Disney claims that the pressure has already affected their daytime talk show 'The View', as it has become more cautious in booking political candidates and avoiding certain video clips.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, a Republican appointed by President Trump, has defended the agency's scrutiny of ABC, saying broadcasters receive access to public airwaves in exchange for operating in the public interest. However, FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez, the commission's lone Democrat, supported ABC's decision to sue, calling it 'a campaign of censorship and control'.