Disney and ABC sue Trump's media regulator to stop early licence renewal

Disney and ABC have filed a lawsuit against the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), accusing the Trump administration of retaliating against the network. The FCC ordered early license renewals for Disney-owned ABC stations in April, a move Disney calls "unprecedented" and the first such early renewal in over 50 years. Disney alleges this action is a direct response to content broadcast by ABC, citing President Trump's public complaints about negative coverage and his questioning of ABC's broadcast licenses. The lawsuit highlights that the early renewal notice followed a joke made by ABC's late-night host about the first lady. Disney contends the FCC's demand for applications within 30 days, which typically take months to prepare, further supports their claim of a retaliatory campaign.

Disney has sued the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in a Washington, DC federal court, alleging political retaliation. The media giant claims the FCC's order for an early license renewal for eight ABC-owned stations is a retaliatory campaign by the Trump administration due to ABC's coverage. In April, the FCC mandated these stations, including those in New York and Los Angeles, to file renewals ahead of schedule, despite most licenses not being halfway through their terms. Disney's lawsuit cites President Trump's past Truth Social posts threatening ABC with license revocation over its reporting. The FCC stated the early renewal call stemmed from diversity, equity, and inclusion practices at Disney and an investigation into the talk show "The View."

Disney has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration's Federal Communications Commission (FCC), alleging a violation of its First Amendment rights. The lawsuit follows the FCC's early review of eight ABC local broadcast licenses, which ABC claims is an attempt to chill its free speech. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr defended the agency's actions, stating broadcasters have a duty to operate in the public interest. The FCC's review was launched in April, coinciding with a dispute over a joke made by late-night host Jimmy Kimmel that offended President Donald Trump. The agency cited diversity, equity, and inclusion practices at Disney as a reason for its review.

ABC has sued the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in Washington D.C., alleging retaliatory action for its content. The network was compelled to apply early for license renewals for its eight local television stations. ABC argues the FCC, under Brendan Carr, is attempting to send a "chilling message" and threatens the independence of the press. Conservative groups had petitioned the FCC to deny these renewals, citing political bias. ABC believes the FCC's actions are intended to force compliance or silence critical reporting, posing an existential threat to its licenses. The lawsuit seeks to prevent the FCC from taking adverse actions against ABC.