Key facts
- ABC has accused the FCC of attempted censorship and intimidation over its broadcast licenses.
- The FCC ordered ABC to file early license-renewal applications for its eight TV stations.
- Conservative and liberal groups, along with former FCC officials, have opposed the FCC's actions.
- The FCC's actions are seen as a response to statements by Jimmy Kimmel and jokes about Melania Trump.
- Disney argues the FCC proceedings are retaliation for exercising First Amendment rights.
ABC has formally accused the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of attempted censorship and intimidation, citing threats against its broadcast licenses and programming content. The network alleges that the FCC's early license review is an unprecedented campaign to punish ABC for content disliked by the Trump administration.
Liberal advocacy groups, conservative organizations, and former FCC chairs and commissioners from both Republican and Democratic administrations have voiced opposition to the FCC's actions. They warn that the agency's review sets a dangerous precedent for policing speech and could harm broadcasters in future administrations.
The FCC recently ordered ABC to file early license-renewal applications for its eight owned TV stations. This action followed petitions to deny these renewals submitted by conservative groups, including the Center for American Rights and the Media Research Center. These groups have previously been involved in FCC investigations into broadcasters accused of bias against Republicans and Trump.
Filings from former FCC officials stated that the FCC's proceedings aim to censor ABC's speech and send a "chilling message" to all broadcasters. Similarly, a coalition of conservative and free-market groups warned that establishing non-routine renewal precedents could be exploited by future FCCs hostile to conservative broadcasters. The American Civil Liberties Union and other free speech groups argued that the FCC has abused its regulatory power and that the motivation is to pressure Disney to censor viewpoints disliked by Chairman Carr and the President.
Dozens of Democratic members of Congress have submitted filings supporting ABC and criticizing the FCC. While no Republican lawmakers appear to have done so, Senator Ted Cruz has previously criticized FCC Chairman Brendan Carr's actions regarding ABC.
FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez stated that the public believes the FCC should not determine journalistic content. The FCC is also examining whether ABC's show 'The View' should remain exempt from the equal-time rule. Disney, the owner of ABC, is fighting these proceedings, arguing that the Trump administration is retaliating against ABC for exercising its First Amendment rights.