ABC Sues FCC Over Retaliatory License Review

Disney’s ABC has filed a First Amendment lawsuit against the FCC, accusing the agency and the Trump administration of waging a retaliatory campaign to punish ABC for its programming and editorial stance, including action around The View and late-night Jimmy Kimmel. The suit seeks to halt the FCC’s expedited license-renewal review of eight ABC-owned stations, arguing the preemptive process violates free speech and amounts to political coercion. ABC maintains the moves are retaliatory pressure tied to political criticism and has urged immediate court relief, including a temporary restraining order. FCC chair Brendan Carr has defended the reviews as part of ongoing DEI and regulatory scrutiny, insisting broadcasters must operate in the public interest and not be subjected to partisan pressure. The case draws on broader tensions between the administration and major networks over content, DEI policies, and the use of broadcast licenses as leverage, with outlets noting the rarity of license revocations and the potential implications for press freedom and regulatory restraint.