Disney is taking its fight with the Federal Communications Commission to federal court.
Disney and ABC filed a First Amendment lawsuit against the FCC on Tuesday, August 18th, alleging that the Trump administration has used the federal agency to retaliate against ABC because of the network’s broadcasts and editorial decisions. The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C.
According to the news broke by KTLA, at the center of the dispute is the FCC’s decision to require eight ABC-owned television stations to undergo an accelerated license-renewal process, years before some of those licenses would ordinarily be up for renewal. According to Reuters, the FCC ordered the early review in April, and Disney is now asking the court to halt those proceedings.
In its lawsuit, Disney and ABC allege:
“Acting through the Federal Communications Commission, the Administration has waged a retaliatory campaign against ABC for a single reason: it disapproves of what ABC broadcasts.”
ABC argues that the government’s actions violate its First Amendment rights and amount to unconstitutional retaliation over protected speech. The company is seeking emergency court intervention, including a temporary restraining order, to stop the accelerated license proceedings.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has previously defended the agency’s scrutiny of broadcasters, arguing that stations using the public airwaves have an obligation to operate in the public interest. The FCC has also connected its review of ABC stations to an investigation into Disney’s diversity, equity, and inclusion practices.
The lawsuit marks a significant escalation in the ongoing dispute between The Walt Disney Company, ABC, and the federal government, and we’ll be watching closely to see how the court responds.
Keep checking back with Theme Park Scope for the latest news from The Walt Disney Company, ABC, Disney leadership, and other developments beyond the theme parks.
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