Disney Sues FCC Over 'Retaliatory' Licence Review Amid Trump-Kimmel Clash

The Walt Disney Company has filed a lawsuit against the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) over its decision to subject ABC-owned television stations to an early review of their broadcast licences. The move is seen as retaliation by Disney and ABC, who claim that the FCC's actions are an 'existential threat' to the network.

The dispute centers on the FCC's April decision requiring Disney's eight ABC-owned stations to submit their licence renewal applications years ahead of schedule. The stations' licences were not otherwise scheduled for renewal until 2028 at the earliest, with some extending into 2031. This sudden change has been linked to an investigation into whether Disney engaged in unlawful discrimination through its diversity, equity and inclusion policies.

The lawsuit alleges that the FCC's regulatory actions are being used to pressure ABC over its speech. The company points to a sequence of events where President Donald Trump publicly called for ABC late-night host Jimmy Kimmel to be fired following comments that angered him. This, combined with repeated criticism from Trump and FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, amounts to an effort to influence ABC's editorial decisions.