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 retaliating against the network over its broadcast content. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Washington, alleges that the FCC is attempting to pressure ABC into changing its editorial and programming decisions.
Disney and ABC asked the court to issue a temporary restraining order halting the license renewal proceedings and preventing the FCC from scheduling a hearing. The companies said the reviews were ordered by FCC Chair Brendan Carr in April, despite the stations’ licenses not being due for consideration until October 2028. The lawsuit also claims the administration’s actions violate ABC’s First Amendment free speech rights.
The legal challenge comes after President Donald Trump repeatedly criticized ABC programming and called for action against the network. The FCC is also investigating ABC’s daytime talk show “The View” over political coverage and equal-opportunity rules. While license revocations are rare, critics warn that regulatory threats could pressure broadcasters and raise concerns about government interference in editorial decisions.
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