Key facts
- The FCC has asked a court to dismiss Disney's lawsuit challenging the agency's review of ABC broadcast licenses.
- Disney alleges the FCC's actions constitute a "campaign of censorship" and retaliation for speech disliked by President Trump.
- The FCC claims the license review is focused on "unlawful discrimination" related to Disney's DEI policies, not on content.
- Watchdog groups and viewers are seeking to intervene in the lawsuit, fearing Disney may settle with the FCC in a manner not aligned with public interest.
- Disney opposes the intervention, arguing the groups lack a legally protected interest and that Disney will vigorously contest the FCC's actions.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has urged a court to dismiss a lawsuit filed by Disney, which challenges the agency's early review of ABC's broadcast licenses. Disney alleges the FCC is engaged in a "campaign of censorship" and retaliation for content it dislikes, particularly speech not favored by President Trump.
The FCC, in a motion filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, defended its decision to order an early license review for ABC's eight owned stations. The agency claims the proceeding is strictly about "allegations of unlawful discrimination" related to Disney's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, and that no decision has been made. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has reportedly emphasized that the agency remains "open-minded" and will "follow the facts and the law."
Disney argues that the license review process infringes on its First Amendment rights, potentially leading to years of costly litigation and chilling editorial judgment. The company stated that the threat of "adverse action" and "corporate death sentence" inhibits ABC's ability to cover the upcoming elections.
Meanwhile, two watchdog groups, Frequency Forward and the Media Action Center, along with 18 individual viewers, have filed a motion to intervene in the lawsuit. They express concern that Disney might settle with the FCC in a way that does not serve the public interest. Disney has opposed this motion, asserting that the intervenors lack a legally protected interest and that Disney will "vigorously contest" the FCC's actions.