FCC

Free Speech Groups Say the FCC's Disney/ABC Investigation 'Reeks of Political Pretext'

FIRE, Cato, PEN America, and others take on the broadcasting police.

Joe Lancaster | 9.22.2026 12:30 PM

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It's no surprise that President Donald Trump is no fan of the media—just days ago, he banned three outlets from the White House, a move that is very likely unconstitutional. And since his first term in office, he has called for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to pull critical networks' broadcast licenses—even those that often don't have licenses.

Earlier this year, the FCC announced it would review the broadcast licenses of eight ABC affiliates—in particular, those owned by ABC's parent company, Disney. Under the review, Disney must apply to renew its broadcast licenses years ahead of schedule.

The FCC said its action stemmed from concerns that Disney had engaged in "unlawful discrimination," but Trump and FCC Chairman Brendan Carr have each publicly criticized and threatened ABC for its editorial decisions.

Last month, Disney sued the FCC, seeking an end to the investigation. Multiple free speech and civil liberties groups are taking Disney's side.

"The FCC's initiation of early renewal for the ABC Television Network's licenses for its owned and operated stations is........

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