The Walt Disney Company and ABC have filed a lawsuit against the Federal Communications Commission to halt an unusually early review of broadcast licenses for eight Disney-owned television stations. Disney contends that the FCC’s accelerated timeline violates First Amendment rights and constitutes retaliation over programming decisions made during the Trump administration. The company argues that requiring license renewal applications within 30 days is unprecedented compared to the normal months-long preparation period. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr maintains that broadcasters using public airwaves must operate in the public interest while following facts and law. Democratic FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez has publicly supported Disney’s decision to challenge the agency in court over this matter.
Facts
- Disney and ABC are suing the FCC to stop an accelerated review of broadcast licenses for eight Disney-owned ABC stations.
- The FCC order requires license renewal applications within 30 days, which is significantly shorter than the normal months-long preparation period.
- FCC scrutiny has included investigations into Disney’s diversity, equity and inclusion practices and questions about ABC’s The View.