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ACLU, National Coalition Against Censorship and 20 Other Groups Line Up to Support Disney in Tangle With FCC

ACLU, National Coalition Against Censorship and 20 Other Groups Line Up to Support Disney in Tangle With FCC

A consortium of 22 different advocacy organizations are lining up to support Walt Disney Co. as it continues to tangle with the Federal Communications Commission. “We urge you to continue to defend and exercise your First Amendment rights, so that we can all continue to exercise ours,” reads the letter, addressed to Disney CEO Josh […]
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Former FCC leaders slam agency probe into ABC

Former FCC leaders slam agency probe into ABC

Former FCC officials urge the agency to drop its early license renewal probe against ABC, calling it an assault on free speech.
Reuters Reuters
Former FCC officials oppose early review of Disney-owned ABC licenses

Former FCC officials oppose early review of Disney-owned ABC licenses

By David Shepardson WASHINGTON, July 28 (Reuters) - A bipartisan group of former U.S. communications regulators on Tuesday urged the Federal Communications Commission to abandon an unusual early review of broadcast licenses held by Disney's eight company-owned ABC television stations, calling the
Variety Variety
FCC Slammed by Former Agency Officials Over Review of ABC’s Licenses: ‘An Assault on Free Speech Disguised as Regulatory Process’

FCC Slammed by Former Agency Officials Over Review of ABC’s Licenses: ‘An Assault on Free Speech Disguised as Regulatory Process’

The FCC and its current chairman, Brendan Carr, were blasted by former heads of the agency and other officials as pursuing a campaign to “censor Disney’s and ABC’s speech” with its highly unusual early review of spectrum licenses for eight ABC-owned TV stations. In a filing Tuesday with the FCC, the officials — who served […]
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Former FCC Leaders Criticize Agency's Probe into ABC as Free Speech Threat

Former FCC Leaders Criticize Agency's Probe into ABC as Free Speech Threat

A bipartisan group of former high-ranking Federal Communications Commission (FCC) officials has urged the FCC to cease its early license renewal investigation into ABC. The investigation, initiated in April, requires Disney-owned ABC to renew its licenses for eight television stations ahead of schedule, citing potential violations of the Communications Act of 1934 and FCC rules. The coalition, which includes former FCC chairs and commissioners from both Democratic and Republican administrations, argues that the probe is an attack on free speech disguised as regulatory oversight. Former FCC Commissioner Rachelle Chong criticized the investigation as politically motivated, suggesting it aims to silence ABC and Disney. ABC has launched a campaign to rally public support, accusing the FCC of stifling speech ahead of the 2026 general election.
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Former FCC Officials Criticize Agency's Review of ABC License Renewals as Unconstitutional

Former FCC Officials Criticize Agency's Review of ABC License Renewals as Unconstitutional

A group of former Federal Communications Commission (FCC) officials, including past chairs and commissioners from both Democratic and Republican administrations, have filed a statement criticizing the FCC's decision to review the license renewals of eight ABC local television stations. This review follows petitions from conservative groups, including the Media Research Center and the Center for American Rights, which accuse ABC of bias and discrimination. The former officials argue that the FCC's actions represent an unprecedented and unconstitutional attempt to regulate content and viewpoint, potentially censoring ABC and sending a 'chilling message' to broadcasters. The review was initiated by the FCC under Chairman Brendan Carr, following criticism of ABC by President Trump.
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The 1996 Law That Continues to Shape Online Platforms

The 1996 Law That Continues to Shape Online Platforms

The Communications Decency Act (CDA) of 1996 marked a significant legislative effort by the United States Congress to regulate obscene and indecent...
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Judge Permits President Trump to Amend $15 Billion Defamation Suit Against New York Times

Judge Permits President Trump to Amend $15 Billion Defamation Suit Against New York Times

A federal judge in Florida has allowed President Donald Trump to amend and refile his $15 billion defamation lawsuit against The New York Times. The lawsuit, initially filed in September 2025, claims that the Times published articles and a book containing false information intended to damage Trump's reputation. The judge's decision postpones a ruling on the Times' motion to dismiss the case on First Amendment grounds. Trump's legal team has been granted until August 27 to submit an amended complaint, which aims to address deficiencies in the original filing.
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Judge weighs lawsuit over Asheville Blade reporter arrests

Judge weighs lawsuit over Asheville Blade reporter arrests

A federal judge is considering a motion to dismiss a lawsuit filed by journalists arrested at an Asheville park.
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James Comey Seeks Dismissal of Indictment Over Instagram Post Alleged to Threaten President Trump

James Comey Seeks Dismissal of Indictment Over Instagram Post Alleged to Threaten President Trump

Former FBI Director James Comey has filed a motion to dismiss an indictment accusing him of threatening President Trump through an Instagram post. The post, which featured seashells arranged to spell '8647,' is alleged by federal prosecutors to be a threat against the President. Comey's attorneys argue that the indictment targets protected speech under the First Amendment, claiming the post was a political statement rather than a threat. The motion is part of Comey's legal strategy to have the case dismissed before trial, with an arraignment scheduled for next month in North Carolina.
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Federal Employees Face Limited Recourse After Speech-Related Firings

Federal Employees Face Limited Recourse After Speech-Related Firings

A recent analysis highlights the challenges faced by federal employees, particularly probationary ones, in contesting dismissals related to speech activities. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently placed over 140 employees on administrative leave, with 20 eventually fired, following their participation in a public dissent letter. This action has led to two pending federal lawsuits. The analysis underscores that while federal employees retain First Amendment protections for off-duty speech on public matters, probationary employees have limited recourse due to the lack of standard Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) appeal rights. The Hatch Act restricts partisan activities but not policy criticism or issue advocacy. Legal remedies for speech-related dismissals are primarily administrative, involving the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) processes.
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Amazon's Leo proposes satellite constellation for direct-to-phone service

Amazon's Leo proposes satellite constellation for direct-to-phone service

By David Shepardson and Akash Sriram WASHINGTON, July 27 (Reuters) - Amazon's Leo on Monday proposed a constellation of up to 5,105 satellites to provide direct-to-device voice and data connectivity, joining a growing race among satellite operators to beam cellular services directly to smartphones.