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NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedAugust 18, 2026Miami-Dade

ABC sues FCC to block early broadcast license review

ABC and its parent company, Disney, have filed a federal lawsuit to stop the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from conducting an early review of eight broadcast station licenses. The network alleges the FCC's action is retaliation for its news coverage and programming, while the FCC maintains it is enforcing the legal requirement for broadcasters to operate in the public interest.

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Why It Matters

The outcome of this lawsuit will determine whether the federal government can use the renewal process to influence or penalize media organizations based on their editorial content.

Key Facts

  • ABC and Disney filed a lawsuit against the FCC to stop an early review of eight broadcast licenses.
  • The FCC ordered the early review of all eight ABC-owned licenses in April, years before their scheduled expiration.
  • Broadcast licenses are typically issued for eight-year periods.
  • The FCC cited diversity and inclusion practices as a reason for the review.
  • ABC alleges the review is retaliation for its news coverage and the speech of its hosts, specifically Jimmy Kimmel.
  • The FCC is also investigating whether the program 'The View' should be subject to equal-time rules for political candidates.
  • ABC maintains 'The View' is a bona fide news program and exempt from equal-time rules, a status it claims was established two decades ago.
  • FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has also opened investigations into CBS News and NBC News.
  • The FCC maintains that broadcasters have a legal obligation to operate in the public interest in exchange for access to public airwaves.
  • FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez publicly supported ABC's decision to sue the agency.

Who's Mentioned

personAnna Gomez“FCC Commissioner”personBrendan Carr“FCC Chairman”organizationFederal Communications Commission“Defendant in the lawsuit”organizationDisney“Parent company of ABC and co-plaintiff”personJimmy Kimmel“ABC late-night host”organizationABC“Plaintiff in the lawsuit”personFloyd Abrams“Free-speech attorney”otherThe View“ABC program subject to FCC scrutiny regarding equal-time rules”personDonald Trump“President of the United States”