Disney and ABC sue FCC over early license renewal demand

The Walt Disney Company and ABC filed a First Amendment lawsuit against the Federal Communications Commission on Tuesday, alleging that an accelerated license renewal process amounts to government retaliation for the network's editorial content and poses a threat to press independence.

ABC's broadcast licenses were originally scheduled for renewal between 2028 and 2031. FCC Chair Brendan Carr ordered the network to submit renewal applications early, a decision tied to an investigation into Disney's diversity, equity and inclusion practices. The early renewal demand threatens the broadcasting licenses of eight ABC-owned stations.

In their 45-page complaint, ABC stated: "Acting through the Federal Communications Commission, the Administration has waged a retaliatory campaign against ABC for a single reason: it disapproves of what ABC broadcasts." The network alleges that regulatory actions are intended to punish ABC for "content and viewpoints the Administration dislikes."

The lawsuit references remarks from President Donald Trump, including a December 2025 Truth Social post suggesting that networks with predominantly negative coverage of him should have their "very valuable Broadcast Licenses" revoked. ABC's talk show "The View" is currently under FCC investigation, and Trump has publicly criticized the program and its hosts.

Carr has defended the license renewal review as a standard regulatory process, stating it concerns whether broadcast networks "operate in the public interest" rather than matters of free speech. He has been a vocal critic of Disney, claiming the company might be committing "illegal DEI discrimination."

ABC argues in the lawsuit that the early renewal process is designed to send a "chilling message" about the consequences of content the administration opposes. The network contends it faces an "existential threat" and has "no alternative means to eliminate these ongoing and immediate threats other than total capitulation to the Administration's demands."

The lawsuit seeks to halt the FCC's early renewal request and prevent the agency from intervening in or influencing ABC's editorial decisions. The case was filed in federal court in Washington, D.C. The FCC did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The action follows concerns raised in late July by a group of prominent former FCC officials, including key staffers and commissioners, about the agency's conduct in this matter.