By David Shepardson
WASHINGTON, July 30 (Reuters) - Walt Disney-owned ABC said on Thursday that the Federal Communications Commission's threat to revoke the network's broadcast licenses is part of an unprecedented campaign of intimidation over broadcast content the Trump administration dislikes.
ABC said that the Trump administration agency's nearly unprecedented decision to order an early license review of the eight Disney-owned ABC stations is a warning from the government to other media companies.
"The retaliation against ABC is a signal to every media company in the country: accommodate the administration’s view of what news coverage should look like or pay the price," ABC said in a filing, adding that the agency's objective is "a media industry too fearful of official reprisal to report the news freely."
FCC Chair Brendan Carr, who did not immediately comment Thursday, ordered the reviews in April, even though the stations' license renewals were not scheduled to be considered until starting in October 2028. The FCC had not ordered an early review in more than 50 years before April.
Carr could decide to take action after a final comment deadline on August 5.
The reviews were ordered a day after Trump urged ABC to fire late-night host Jimmy Kimmel.
ABC said over 150,000 comments have been filed and over 95% support the stations. Numerous local officials and groups in the eight states have filed in support of the stations.
"From its earliest days, this administration has made clear its intent to punish ABC for its news coverage and to create a chilling effect on ABC and others," ABC said.
The FCC said the move stemmed from a year-long investigation into whether Disney's diversity policies amounted to unlawful discrimination, an allegation the company denies. Carr and Disney did not immediately comment on Tuesday.
Broadcast stations need FCC licenses to use public airwaves. While license revocations are exceptionally rare, critics say the prospect of losing a license can pressure broadcasters and raise concerns about government interference in editorial and programming decisions. Networks have broad First Amendment rights to make programming decisions.
Carr opened the investigation in March 2025 into Disney's diversity practices, and said Disney submitted documents he viewed as insufficient.
Trump has repeatedly urged broadcasters to drop comedy or news programs he dislikes or which have been critical, pressing regulators to revoke licenses of broadcasters he says are unfair.
Trump demanded in November that the FCC revoke ABC licenses after he criticized an ABC News correspondent for asking Saudi Arabia's crown prince about the 2018 killing of a Washington Post columnist, in a question he dubbed "insubordinate."
The FCC is also investigating ABC daytime talk show "The View," which discusses U.S. politics, after saying it may be subject to federal rules requiring broadcasters to provide equal opportunities to political candidates.
(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Mark Porter and Nick Zieminski)
