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The FCC requested a federal court to dismiss a lawsuit filed by ABC against the agency over early license renewals.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) asked a federal court to dismiss a lawsuit filed by ABC, a Disney-owned broadcaster, seeking to block the agency's early review of its eight local television station licenses. The FCC argues the lawsuit is premature because the commission is still in the process of analyzing evidence regarding allegations that Disney violated anti-discrimination laws in its employment practices. ABC claims the FCC is using its enforcement powers to retaliate against the network for programming that does not align with the demands of the administration. The broadcaster argued that the timing of the early review—which occurred just one day after President Trump criticized a joke by late-night host Jimmy Kimmel—suggests the agency is attempting to coerce the network. The FCC maintains that the investigation into Disney's diversity and inclusion practices began long before the administration's public comments on Kimmel or other programming. The agency stated that Disney's responses to information requests were deficient, which prompted the need for an early review. The FCC also noted that the broadcaster chose the wrong court, as Congress intended for agency orders to be reviewed by federal appeals courts. Judge Loren AliKhan has scheduled a hearing for the lawsuit in early October.

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