FCC seeks dismissal of ABC lawsuit over early license reviews

FCC ABC Disney First Amendment broadcast licenses

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has filed a motion to dismiss a First Amendment lawsuit brought by ABC, which seeks to block the agency's decision to conduct an early review of broadcast licenses for eight Disney-owned stations.

ABC alleges the move is a retaliatory campaign by the administration against the network's programming. The FCC disputes this, stating the accelerated reviews, ordered by Chair Brendan Carr in April, are necessary to investigate allegations of unlawful employment discrimination involving diversity, equity, and inclusion programs at Disney.

The FCC further argued in court filings that the U.S. District Court lacks jurisdiction, asserting that legal challenges to commission orders must be heard in federal appeals courts. U.S. District Judge Loren AliKhan has scheduled a hearing for the case on October 6.

Entities

ABC · Brendan Carr · Disney · Federal Communications Commission · Loren AliKhan

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] ABC alleges the FCC's actions are a retaliatory campaign against the network due to its programming and political discourse. deadline.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] ABC filed a lawsuit on August 18 to block the early renewal of licenses for eight of its owned and operated stations. deadline.com
[● 2 SOURCES] The FCC argues that the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia lacks jurisdiction and that challenges must be heard in federal appeals courts. www.mediaplaynews.com · www.thewrap.com
[DISPUTED] U.S. District Judge Loren AliKhan has scheduled a hearing for the case on October 6. www.mediaplaynews.com · deadline.com
[● 3 SOURCES] FCC Chair Brendan Carr ordered the early license reviews in April, despite renewals not being due until 2028. www.mediaplaynews.com · deadline.com · www.thewrap.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The FCC filed a motion to dismiss ABC's First Amendment lawsuit. www.mediaplaynews.com · deadline.com · www.thewrap.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The FCC maintains the early license reviews are part of an investigation into allegations of unlawful employment discrimination at Disney. www.mediaplaynews.com · deadline.com · www.thewrap.com

Sources

FCC Argues Discrimination Probe, Not Speech, Triggered ABC License Action [cordcuttersnews.com]

28 days ago

FCC Asks Judge to Dismiss Disney's Lawsuit Seeking to Block Early ABC License Review - Media Play News [www.mediaplaynews.com]

28 days ago

FCC urges court to dismiss ABC lawsuit over broadcast license [sjvsun.com]

28 days ago

FCC Asks Court To Dismiss ABC’s First Amendment Lawsuit [deadline.com]

28 days ago

FCC Moves to Dismiss 'Meritless' ABC First Amendment Suit [www.thewrap.com]

28 days ago