FCC Commissioner Supports Disney in Free Speech Dispute Over ABC Licenses
The Walt Disney Co. is embroiled in a legal battle with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) over the review of its ABC network's broadcast licenses. FCC Commissioner Anna M. Gomez, the panel's only Democrat, has publicly supported Disney, criticizing the FCC's actions as a coordinated campaign to pressure media outlets critical of President Trump. The FCC has initiated an early review of Disney's broadcast licenses, which were not due for renewal for another two to five years. This move requires Disney to provide extensive documentation to prove its stations serve the public interest. Additionally, the FCC has questioned the exemption granted to ABC's 'The View' from providing equal airtime to political candidates, a standard exemption for news programs. Disney has challenged this inquiry, arguing that the exemption was granted in 2002 and remains valid. 
