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Disney and ABC sue FCC over broadcast license investigations
Disney and its subsidiary ABC have filed a federal lawsuit against the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), alleging that the agency is using its regulatory power to retaliate against the network. The legal challenge centers on the FCC's decision to accelerate the license renewal reviews for eight ABC-owned television stations, a move the companies claim is highly unusual as the licenses were not due for renewal for another two to five years.
The lawsuit asserts that these investigations violate the First Amendment and constitute a retaliatory campaign by the Trump administration in response to ABC's news coverage and programming, including content that has drawn criticism from the President. ABC contends that the scrutiny has created a chilling effect on its journalism, leading to changes in programming to avoid government pressure.
In a recent ruling, federal judge Loren L. AliKhan denied Disney's request for a preliminary injunction or temporary restraining order to halt the proceedings. The judge instead established a briefing schedule for the upcoming months, with a hearing on the motions expected in October 2026. The FCC has signaled its intent to challenge the litigation, arguing that the case is premature and that the agency is simply fulfilling its statutory duty to ensure broadcasters operate in the public interest.
Entities
ABC · Brendan Carr · Disney · Donald Trump · Federal Communications Commission · Loren L. AliKhan
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Judge Loren L. AliKhan denied Disney's request for a preliminary injunction or temporary restraining order. newsbusters.org
- [● 3 SOURCES] The license reviews were not originally scheduled to occur for another two to five years. www.kennythepirate.com · classixphilly.com · krnb.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The court established a briefing schedule for the motions, with a hearing expected in October 2026. newsbusters.org
- [● 5 SOURCES] The FCC is conducting early reviews of broadcast licenses for eight ABC-owned television stations. www.kennythepirate.com · classixphilly.com · krnb.com · newsbusters.org · deadline.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] ABC and Disney have filed a lawsuit against the FCC alleging First Amendment violations and retaliation. www.kennythepirate.com · classixphilly.com · krnb.com · newsbusters.org · deadline.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The lawsuit alleges the FCC is acting in retaliation for ABC's programming and coverage critical of the current administration. www.kennythepirate.com · classixphilly.com · krnb.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The FCC disputes the characterization of the proceedings, stating actions are to ensure compliance with federal law and the public interest. classixphilly.com · krnb.com · deadline.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The FCC plans to challenge the litigation as premature and argues the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals has jurisdiction. deadline.com