Conservative advocacy groups and ABC affiliates have urged the Federal Communications Commission to stop or limit its review of ABC broadcast licence renewals, arguing that intervention could set a precedent affecting media outlets across the political spectrum. They contend that using licensing powers against a major network could ultimately harm conservative broadcasters and undermine protections for free expression.

The dispute concerns FCC scrutiny of ABC’s local broadcast licences, rather than the network’s cable or streaming operations. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has said broadcasters must serve the public interest, including by airing significant presidential addresses, while the conservative groups warn that broad or politicised licence reviews could be used against right-leaning outlets in future.