Disney’s ABC has asked the US Federal Communications Commission to reject petitions seeking to block the renewal of licences for its eight owned television stations. ABC argues that the proceedings are punitive and politically motivated, alleging the agency is acting because President Donald Trump dislikes content broadcast by the network; it says refusing renewal over disfavoured speech would amount to censorship.

The FCC ordered the stations to begin renewal proceedings early in April, saying this related to an investigation into diversity, equity and inclusion practices at Disney and ABC. ABC says this is the first time an entire group of network-owned local stations has faced simultaneous early renewals, and notes the move followed Trump’s call for Jimmy Kimmel to be dismissed after a joke about First Lady Melania Trump; the company says 95% of public comments support renewal.