Disney and ABC Sue US FCC Over License Renewal
Disney and ABC filed a lawsuit against the FCC on Tuesday. ABC is owned by Disney.
They want to block an early renewal of ABC's broadcast license. The FCC ordered ABC to apply early for the license.
This applies to eight local television stations ABC owns. The licenses were not close to expiring.
The lawsuit challenged the FCC's process under the First Amendment. ABC says the investigation was a "retaliatory campaign" over its programming.
Disney accused the Trump administration of cracking down on free speech. ABC warned the alleged retaliation threatened the independence of the press.
Chairman Brendan Carr ordered the early review in April. He wanted to check if broadcasters serve the public interest.
The FCC also cited other investigations including Disney's diversity policies. Disney and ABC call the actions retaliation. Reports have linked the timing to Trump's criticism of ABC host Jimmy Kimmel.
Key Terms 4
- FCC US agency that regulates television and radio broadcasting.
- First Amendment Part of the US Constitution protecting free speech.
- Brendan Carr Chairman of the FCC who ordered the early review.
- Jimmy Kimmel ABC late-night TV host criticized by Trump.