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ABC Files First Amendment Lawsuit Against Federal Communications Commission Over Alleged Retaliatory License Review

ABC has filed a lawsuit in a Washington, D.C. federal court against the Federal Communications Commission, alleging that the agency is conducting a retaliatory campaign against the network due to its critical coverage of President Trump. The suit argues that the administration has used the FCC to target ABC’s broadcast licenses, specifically those owned by Disney, in response to programming that the administration disapproves of. The legal action follows a period of intense pressure from the administration, including criticism of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel and the daytime talk show "The View." FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, a Trump loyalist, initiated an early review of ABC's eight primary licenses in April, citing diversity and equity goals. However, the lawsuit contends that the review is a political move intended to punish the network for its journalistic choices. ABC seeks a temporary restraining order to halt the proceedings, asserting that the administration's actions threaten free speech and force the network to choose between government approval and journalistic integrity.

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