Disney and ABC’s eight owned‑and‑operated stations have filed a lawsuit against the FCC, arguing that the regulator is being pushed by President Trump to renew broadcast licences years ahead of schedule. The complaint claims the move is retaliatory, aimed at ABC for its editorial coverage after a Jimmy Kimmel joke about first lady Melania Trump.
The FCC’s chairman, Brendan Carr, says the request is based on “public interest” considerations, not retaliation. He told CNBC that compliance with licence obligations is mandatory for any broadcaster wishing to remain on the airwaves. However, Disney says it has never seen the FCC demand an early renewal application from a single‑network group before.
The lawsuit seeks a speedy hearing and a temporary restraining order to halt the early renewal process. Disney and ABC argue that a 30‑day deadline imposed by the FCC is unrealistic, as licence applications normally take months to prepare.
The case highlights the growing tension between the Trump administration and media groups, and raises questions about how broadcast regulation could be weaponised against critics of the government. If the court sides with Disney, it may set a precedent for how the FCC handles licence renewals in future political disputes.
