Disney files lawsuit against FCC over alleged censorship campaign targeting ABC
Disney and its ABC stations have sued the FCC and Chairman Brendan Carr, accusing the agency of a censorship campaign that threatens their broadcast licenses. The lawsuit claims the FCC is retaliating against protected expression and demands a halt to early license review proceedings. Disney says the FCC left it no choice but to seek court intervention.
The lawsuit stems from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr's April decision to order early license renewal reviews for all eight ABC-owned stations, years ahead of their scheduled 2028–2031 renewal dates. That action came one day after President Trump and the first lady called for Jimmy Kimmel's firing over a joke about Melania Trump. The FCC claims the review concerns ABC's DEI practices potentially violating anti-discrimination rules, while Disney alleges retaliation for protected expression. Disney seeks a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction to halt the proceeding, arguing the FCC could force stations off the air or mire ABC in costly, years-long litigation that would shadow every editorial decision.
This case could reshape the relationship between broadcasters and federal regulators, potentially chilling editorial independence across the industry if the FCC's actions are perceived as politically motivated. Other networks may face similar pressure, and the outcome could clarify the limits of government authority over broadcast licenses. The lawsuit may also influence how courts balance First Amendment protections against regulatory oversight, with implications for journalism, public discourse, and the broader media landscape.