Disney Sues FCC Over Retaliatory License Renewal Process

The Walt Disney Company and ABC have filed a lawsuit against the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in an effort to stop an early license renewal process that they claim is a retaliatory measure against their free speech rights.

The move comes after the FCC ordered Disney's eight owned-and-operated television stations to file their broadcast license renewals ahead of schedule, citing a probe into ABC's 'The View' program and a long-running investigation into diversity, equity, and inclusion practices at Disney. The licenses were not due to come up for renewal until 2028 at the earliest.

Disney describes the FCC action as an 'existential threat,' arguing that the Commission's orders are about silencing ABC's programming rather than operating in the public interest. In a statement, Disney chief executive officer Josh D'Amaro said that the company is 'principled' in its fight against the FCC's moves and will continue to stand up for journalistic integrity.