August 18, 2026 · Media / FCC / First Amendment litigation
Disney and ABC sue the FCC over early broadcast-license reviews, alleging retaliation for protected speech
Disney and ABC filed a federal lawsuit seeking to halt the FCC’s accelerated review of licenses for eight ABC-owned stations. The companies allege unconstitutional retaliation tied to criticism of ABC programming and President Trump’s repeated calls for punitive action against the network. The FCC has said its review concerns broadcasters’ public-interest obligations and an investigation into possible unlawful discrimination. The lawsuit is newly filed; the allegations have not yet been adjudicated.
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