ABC Sues FCC Over Early Broadcast Licence Reviews
ABC, Disney, and eight local stations filed a federal lawsuit Tuesday seeking to halt the Federal Communications Commission’s early review of their broadcast licences. The plaintiffs argue that the proceedings violate First Amendment protections and threaten the network’s ability to operate independently.
FCC Chair Brendan Carr ordered the reviews in April, well before the eight licences were due to expire. The commission cited concerns about ABC’s diversity, equity, and inclusion practices. The action also followed criticism from President Donald Trump and his allies over comments aired on ABC, including a joke by late-night host Jimmy Kimmel.
In its filing, ABC alleged that the administration and FCC have repeatedly targeted its journalism and programming because of viewpoints they oppose. The network asked the court to prevent regulators from taking or threatening action connected to the accelerated renewal process. It also warned that government pressure tied to editorial content could affect media organizations beyond ABC.
The dispute is part of a broader conflict between the network and the FCC. ABC has also challenged Carr’s efforts to consider applying equal-time rules to The View, a daytime program whose hosts and guests frequently criticize Trump. ABC maintains that regulators settled that question in the network’s favour more than 20 years ago.
Anna Gomez, the FCC’s only Democratic commissioner, supported the lawsuit, describing the agency’s actions as improper government pressure on broadcasters.
Carr and the FCC reject ABC’s claims. Carr has said broadcasters receive free access to public airwaves and must therefore serve the public interest. An FCC spokesperson said the agency has been examining allegations of unlawful DEI discrimination by Disney for more than a year and will continue following the evidence and applicable law. The court will now consider whether the FCC’s unusual timetable represents lawful oversight or unconstitutional retaliation against protected speech.