FCC Seeks to Block Disney Lawsuit Over ABC Station Licenses

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has asked a federal judge to dismiss Disney's lawsuit seeking to block the agency's early review of licenses for its eight company-owned ABC stations.

The FCC claims that if Disney is successful, it would prevent the commission from analyzing evidence in its ongoing investigation into allegations of unlawful discrimination by the entertainment giant.

FCC Chair Brendan Carr ordered the early reviews in April, despite the license renewals not being scheduled to be considered until October 2028. This move was seen as a test of free speech rights for broadcasters, with President Donald Trump having called repeatedly for ABC to lose its licenses over programming he dislikes.

The case has raised concerns about government interference in editorial and programming decisions, with critics warning that the threat of losing a license can pressure broadcasters.