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ABC Files Lawsuit Against FCC Over Alleged Free Speech Violations and Retaliatory Actions

ABC Files Lawsuit Against FCC Over Alleged Free Speech Violations and Retaliatory Actions

ABC, owned by Disney, has filed a lawsuit against the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), accusing the agency of violating its right to free speech through aggressive regulatory moves. The lawsuit claims the FCC is engaged in a 'retaliatory campaign' because it 'disapproves of what ABC broadcasts.' FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has reportedly pushed for early renewal of ABC's broadcast licenses for its eight affiliate stations, two and a half years before their scheduled expiration. If successful, this action could force these local stations off the air. ABC's legal action seeks to prevent this outcome, arguing that the threat of non-renewal or revocation of licenses compels ABC to consider the consequences of any decision that might 'anger the Administration or the FCC Chairman.' The lawsuit suggests that the administration's campaign against free speech extends beyond ABC, sending a message to all media companies to only report stories favorable to the administration or face federal government coercion....
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Disney's ABC Sues FCC Over Alleged Retaliatory Broadcast License Renewals Amidst Trump Criticism

Disney's ABC Sues FCC Over Alleged Retaliatory Broadcast License Renewals Amidst Trump Criticism

Disney, the parent company of ABC, has filed a lawsuit against the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), alleging that the Trump administration is engaging in a retaliatory campaign against ABC's First Amendment rights. The lawsuit claims that the FCC ordered eight ABC-owned television stations to file for federal broadcast license renewals ahead of their scheduled time. ABC asserts that this action is an attempt to silence dissent, specifically citing President Trump's social media posts from December 2025, where he questioned whether broadcast licenses should be terminated for networks and late-night shows that are "almost 100% Negative to President Donald J. Trump, MAGA, and the Republican Party." FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, described as a 'MAGA acolyte,' has reportedly pressured local stations to pull 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' and has targeted 'The View' for its critical commentary on President Trump, arguing for equal time for Republican views despite established broadcast practices.
Reuters Reuters
Analysis-ABC says intimidation by Trump's FCC forced programming changes

Analysis-ABC says intimidation by Trump's FCC forced programming changes

Aug 19 (Reuters) - ABC is accusing U.S.
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Disney Sues FCC, Alleges Political Retaliation Over ABC Station License Renewals

Disney Sues FCC, Alleges Political Retaliation Over ABC Station License Renewals

Disney has filed a lawsuit against the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in a federal court in Washington, D.C., challenging an order for early license renewals for eight ABC-owned and -operated stations across the United States. The media giant claims this move is a 'political retaliatory campaign' by the administration of President Trump, aimed at intimidating the company due to its news coverage. The FCC had ordered the network's stations, including affiliates in New York and Los Angeles, to file their license renewals ahead of schedule, despite six of these stations not being halfway through their current terms. The station with the most immediate deadline, WTVD in Durham, North Carolina, is not due for renewal until December 2028. Disney's 46-page complaint asserts that the administration has repeatedly attacked ABC's speech, escalating to demands that the network be stripped of its broadcast licenses because of its reporting and viewpoints.
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ABC and Disney Sue FCC, Alleging First Amendment Violations Over License Challenges

ABC and Disney Sue FCC, Alleging First Amendment Violations Over License Challenges

The ABC network, along with its parent company The Walt Disney Co., has filed a lawsuit against the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in federal court. The lawsuit alleges that the Trump administration has violated ABC's First Amendment rights by initiating investigations and challenging its broadcast licenses. These actions are claimed to be in retaliation for the network's news coverage, late-night satire, and views expressed on talk shows. President Trump has reportedly called for ABC's licenses to be revoked due to content that has drawn his disapproval. The lawsuit explicitly states, "Government censorship is deeply un-American," and references a U.S. Supreme Court decision affirming that the government cannot use its power to punish or suppress disfavored expression. ABC and Disney own eight local TV stations, including those in six of the largest U.S. markets, which are crucial to their operations and require federal licenses to use public airwaves. The FCC has reportedly subjected all eight s...
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Disney, ABC File Federal Lawsuit Against FCC Over Alleged First Amendment Violations

Disney, ABC File Federal Lawsuit Against FCC Over Alleged First Amendment Violations

Disney, ABC, and its eight affiliate stations have collectively filed a federal lawsuit against the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The lawsuit alleges that the FCC is violating the broadcaster's First Amendment rights through a retaliatory campaign against ABC's political coverage. The complaint details a pattern of public statements from President Trump and FCC Chair Brendan Carr over the past two years, criticizing ABC's political reporting and threatening to revoke its operating licenses. Specifically, the lawsuit points to Carr's request in April for Disney to submit early renewal applications for ABC's regional affiliates, despite their contracts being valid until 2028 or later. This request, framed as part of an investigation into Disney's diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, followed renewed criticism of ABC's political coverage by President Trump. Disney asserts it had no choice but to take legal action against what it describe...
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Disney Sues Trump Administration Over Accelerated ABC License Review, Citing Free Speech Concerns

Disney Sues Trump Administration Over Accelerated ABC License Review, Citing Free Speech Concerns

The Walt Disney Company has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, specifically targeting the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), over an accelerated review of broadcasting licenses for eight ABC television channels. Disney alleges that the administration's move to expedite the license renewal process, which was originally scheduled between 2028 and 2031, is politically motivated. The company claims this action infringes upon its constitutional right to freedom of speech. According to Disney's court filing, the Trump administration is engaging in a retaliatory campaign against ABC due to its disagreement with the content broadcast by the network. Brendan Carr, Chairman of the FCC, initiated the expedited review in April, requiring ABC to demonstrate that its programming adheres to regulatory standards. President Trump has previously criticized ABC News, accusing its programs, particularly Jimmy Kimmel's late-night talk show, of political bias.
Reuters Reuters
Disney, ABC sue US regulator over threats to broadcast licenses

Disney, ABC sue US regulator over threats to broadcast licenses

By David Shepardson WASHINGTON, Aug 18 (Reuters) - Disney and its ABC unit sued the Federal Communications Commission on Tuesday to block an early review of licenses for eight ABC stations, arguing the Trump administration is trying to punish the network over its broadcast content.
Reuters Reuters
Disney, ABC sue FCC over threats to broadcast licenses

Disney, ABC sue FCC over threats to broadcast licenses

By David Shepardson WASHINGTON, Aug 18 (Reuters) - Disney and its ABC unit sued the Federal Communications Commission on Tuesday to block an early review of licenses for eight ABC stations, arguing that the Trump administration is trying to punish the network over its broadcast content.
USA Today USA Today
Disney accuses FCC of violating First Amendment in lawsuit

Disney accuses FCC of violating First Amendment in lawsuit

The lawsuit is the latest in an ongoing battle between ABC and the Trump administration, one that the network alleged is based on illegal retaliation.
Variety Variety
ABC Files First Amendment Lawsuit Against FCC

ABC Files First Amendment Lawsuit Against FCC

Disney’s ABC filed a First Amendment lawsuit against the Federal Communications Commission on Tuesday, raising the pitch of the company’s efforts to countermand unusual pressure from the federal government to force the company’s stations to submit licenses for early renewal proceedings. ABC has found itself at cross purposes with the FCC at several moments in […]
AP News AP News
The Latest: Disney sues Trump's FCC over broadcast license challenge

The Latest: Disney sues Trump's FCC over broadcast license challenge

Disney's suit filed Tuesday against the Federal Communications Commission says every media outlet in the nation is at risk due to the Trump administration's retaliation over Jimmy Kimmel's satire