The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has asked a federal judge to dismiss Disney’s lawsuit challenging the agency’s early review of licences for the entertainment company’s eight ABC-owned television stations.
The FCC said blocking the reviews would hamper its investigation into allegations that Disney engaged in unlawful discrimination. The agency has not yet decided whether to refer the licences for a formal hearing.
The dispute has become a test of broadcasters’ free speech rights, with President Donald Trump repeatedly criticising ABC programming and calling for the network to lose its licences.
FCC Chair Brendan Carr ordered the early reviews in April, despite the stations’ renewals not being due until October 2028. The agency had not conducted such an early review for more than 50 years.
The move came a day after Trump urged ABC to fire late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. Trump has also called for action against other broadcasters whose news or comedy programmes have criticised him or his administration.
Disney has accused the FCC of seeking to coerce and retaliate against the company, describing the agency’s actions as an “extraordinary assault on free speech”.
US District Judge Loren AliKhan has scheduled a hearing on Disney’s lawsuit for October 5. The FCC has agreed to provide at least 48 hours’ notice before issuing any order to refer Disney’s ABC licences for a hearing.
Broadcast stations require FCC licences to use public airwaves, although licence revocations are extremely rare. Critics warn that the threat of losing a licence could pressure broadcasters over their editorial and programming decisions.
Reuters
