Last April, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced it was conducting an early review of the broadcast licenses held by ABC's eight network-owned TV stations, years ahead of their scheduled renewal. This marked the first such early review in over 50 years and the first time all stations operated by a single network were reviewed simultaneously.

ABC and its parent company, Disney, argue in a federal lawsuit filed last week that this unprecedented action is part of an unconstitutional intimidation campaign that has already chilled broadcast journalism. The lawsuit contends the FCC's move is politically motivated, aimed at punishing ABC for news coverage and programming decisions that have drawn President Donald Trump's ire.

A bipartisan group of former FCC officials, including commissioners appointed by Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, have criticized the agency's actions as "an assault on free speech disguised as regulatory process" intended to "punish speech disfavored by the Trump administration."

President Trump has repeatedly threatened to revoke licenses of broadcasters he finds unfavorable since his first term. His grievances with ABC include what he views as overwhelmingly negative news coverage, fact-checking during the 2024 presidential debate, anti-Trump commentary on shows like The View and Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and ABC's refusal to air his July 16 primetime speech—a refusal consistent with similar decisions by other networks under prior administrations.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr announced the early license review the day after Trump and his wife objected to a joke made by Jimmy Kimmel on his show. Carr has indicated that ABC's decision not to broadcast Trump's speech will be considered in the review process, which could extend for years.

In response, ABC and its affiliates complied with Carr's demands by suspending Kimmel's show for a week last fall. The View has ceased interviewing political candidates, and ABC stated it only aired Trump's full speech on its streaming channel out of concern about antagonizing the FCC.

Observers note that once TV networks recognize the FCC's objections to their editorial decisions can threaten their licenses, they may hesitate before airing content that could upset the president.

Sources