Disney's ABC Sues FCC, Claims Broadcast License Review Is Retaliatory

Disney-owned American Broadcasting Company (ABC) has filed a lawsuit against the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) under the First Amendment, alleging the government agency's investigation into the company is retaliatory action triggered by ABC's broadcast of programming critical of President Donald Trump. The television network submitted its complaint Tuesday to a district court in Washington, DC. ABC is asking the FCC to terminate the early renewal process for its broadcast licenses. The FCC had not responded to a request for comment on the lawsuit as of press time.

Months earlier, the FCC initiated early renewal proceedings for a batch of ABC broadcast licenses, citing concerns about the network's diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) work. The review began in April 2026, several years before the licenses were originally scheduled to expire. Shortly before the early review was launched, ABC faced renewed political backlash over remarks made by late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, and its daytime talk show The View also drew criticism from the government. In May 2026, ABC said it submitted its applications "under protest" in response to an FCC order it described as "illegal, arbitrary and unconstitutional."

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, appointed by Trump, leads the federal agency that regulates the media and telecommunications industries. On Tuesday, ABC said the agency's continued actions leave the company "facing irreparable harm."

Damaro took over from Bob Iger, who had served as Disney's chief executive for a long period, in March 2026. Last week, Iger agreed with Joshua Kushner, founder of Thrive Capital and brother of Jared Kushner, to acquire a majority stake in the NBA's Los Angeles Lakers.