Disney's ABC sues FCC, alleging retaliatory early license renewal over Trump-critical programming

Published Aug 18, 04:57 PM UTC

Disney-owned ABC has filed a First Amendment lawsuit against the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC), alleging a retaliatory campaign due to programming critical of President Donald Trump. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, seeks to halt the FCC's early renewal of ABC's broadcast station licenses, which was launched months earlier citing concerns over Disney's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices. ABC argues the early review is an unconstitutional and arbitrary order, coming after political backlash over comments by late-night host Jimmy Kimmel and the daytime talk show 'The View.' FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, appointed by Trump, maintains the focus is on DEI practices, not First Amendment issues. Disney CEO Josh D'Amaro has defended the company's position, stating it will stand up for journalistic integrity. The sole Democrat on the FCC, Commissioner Anna Gomez, has supported ABC's move.