The Federal Communications Commission has asked a federal judge to dismiss Disney’s lawsuit challenging the agency’s early review of its ABC television station licenses. This legal action emerged after President Trump called for ABC to lose its license due to specific programming choices, prompting FCC Chair Brendan Carr to order an unprecedented early renewal review despite licenses not being due until 2028. The FCC argues that allowing Disney’s suit to proceed would hinder their investigation into allegations of unlawful discrimination by the media company. This case has become a significant test of free speech rights for broadcasters and could impact all eight of Disney’s company-owned ABC stations. A federal appeals court in Washington is expected to hear the case instead of a district court, with hearings scheduled for October 6th.
Key Points:
- The FCC requested a federal judge dismiss Disney’s lawsuit regarding ABC TV station licenses on September 3rd.
- This is the first time the FCC has ordered an early license renewal in more than 50 years.
- President Trump has repeatedly called for ABC to lose its license due to select programming choices.