FCC Asks Court to Dismiss Disney Lawsuit Over ABC License Reviews
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has asked a federal judge to dismiss Walt Disney Co.'s lawsuit challenging the agency's decision to conduct early reviews of licenses for eight company-owned ABC TV stations. The FCC argues that allowing the case to proceed would hinder its investigation into allegations that Disney engaged in unlawful discrimination, which is central to the review process. The move marks a significant shift by the FCC under Chair Brendan Carr, who ordered the early license reviews despite them not being due until 2028. This decision has raised concerns about potential government interference with editorial independence and free speech rights for broadcasters. President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized ABC programming and called for its licenses to be revoked. Disney claims in its lawsuit that the FCC is retaliating against a network that refuses to comply with administration demands, calling it an assault on free expression. The case will proceed toward a hearing scheduled for October 6 before U.S. District Judge Loren AliKhan.
Topics: ABC TV stations broadcast regulation Disney FCC free speech