Disney, ABC battle Trump's FCC in court over free speech protections
A federal judge in Washington, D.C., is hearing Disney and ABC’s challenge to the Federal Communications Commission’s decision to review the network’s eight station licenses earlier than scheduled.
The dispute comes amid President Donald Trump’s repeated attacks on ABC programs and host Jimmy Kimmel. FCC Chair Brendan Carr has also criticized the network and opened investigations into Disney’s diversity policies.
The FCC says stations must serve the public interest, though Carr has said the license reviews are not connected to ABC’s programming. Disney and ABC want Judge Loren L. AliKhan to block the accelerated process; she has already ordered the agency to pause until the hearing.
The review targets all eight ABC-owned stations at once, a step media observers describe as unprecedented. Six stations operate in major markets, and an adverse outcome could significantly affect Disney’s revenue.
The case will test whether the FCC can use its licensing authority in this way without violating First Amendment protections. The judge’s ruling on Disney’s request will determine whether the reviews can proceed.
Key points
- Disney and ABC are challenging the FCC’s accelerated review of eight station licenses.
- Trump and FCC Chair Brendan Carr have criticized ABC and its programming.
- Six targeted stations are in major markets, making the outcome financially significant for Disney.