ABC demands FCC drop its ‘punitive’ early license renewal of its stations
ABC has asked the Federal Communications Commission to abandon its order requiring early renewal applications for eight of its broadcast-station licences, describing the move as unprecedented and punitive. The broadcaster argues that the FCC is retaliating against ABC and Disney over programme content and viewpoints the Trump administration dislikes, raising concerns about political pressure on press freedom and broadcasters’ editorial independence.
The FCC issued its order in April while investigating possible legal and regulatory breaches, including alleged unlawful discrimination connected to Disney’s DEI programmes. More than 153,000 public comments have been filed, while bipartisan former FCC leaders have criticised the action; FCC chair Brendan Carr has also faced criticism over previous threats involving Jimmy Kimmel and “The View”.
- ABC says the FCC is using licensing powers to punish unfavoured speech.
- Eight ABC station licences face an unusually early renewal process.
- The dispute has drawn extensive public and bipartisan criticism.