Disney & ABC File Lawsuit to Block the FCC’s License Review
The Walt Disney Company, ABC and eight ABC-owned television stations is reportedly suing the Federal Communications Commission this week to block an early broadcast license renewal process ordered by the agency. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday this week, is asking for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction. Disney and ABC argue the FCC’s action is political retaliation for the network’s programming and alleged criticism of President Donald Trump.
The FCC ordered the eight stations to seek renewal years before their licenses were set to expire. The licenses were previously scheduled for renewal between 2028 and 2031. ABC said the agency gave the stations 30 days to prepare applications that normally take months to complete.
The case follows separate FCC scrutiny of Disney’s diversity, equity and inclusion policies and ABC’s daytime program The View. The agency is examining whether The View qualifies as a bona fide news program, a status that can exempt a broadcast show from equal-opportunity rules involving political candidates.
ABC has long treated The View as a news interview program for FCC purposes. The network has warned that a reversal could require the show to provide comparable access to opposing candidates after interviews with political figures. The FCC granted the program’s news exemption in 2002.
The FCC’s broader review also concerns claims that Disney used unlawful hiring practices under its DEI programs. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has said the licensing review concerns discrimination claims and a broadcaster’s public-interest duties, not ABC’s editorial speech. Disney disputes that explanation and says the inquiry threatens its First Amendment rights.
In a statement responding to the lawsuit, an FCC spokesperson said, “All broadcasters have a legal obligation to operate in the public interest, even Disney.” The agency said it has examined allegations of illegal DEI discrimination at Disney for more than a year and will “follow the facts and law wherever they lead.”
The dispute puts a major media company against the federal agency that controls access to the public airwaves used by local broadcast stations. ABC and Disney say the FCC is using licensing power to pressure the network over its content. The FCC says it is enforcing rules that apply to every broadcaster. A court will now decide whether the agency can move forward before the normal renewal dates arrive.
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