From Fox News · Lindsay Kornick · · 1m
ABC Accuses FCC of Coercive License Pressure
ABC and Disney claim FCC used license renewal to suppress speech against Trump critics.
In brief
ABC and Disney claim FCC used license renewal to suppress speech against Trump critics. ABC and Disney accuse FCC of inflicting maximal coercive pressure through early license renewals to avoid judicial review. Originally reported by Fox News.
ABC and Disney sue FCC
ABC and Disney accused the FCC of using license renewal to circumvent judicial review and inflict maximal coercive pressure.
“Disney and ABC accused the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Monday of using the license renewal process to circumvent judicial review and inflict maximal coercive pressure against the network and company”
FCC license renewal process
The FCC requires ABC-owned stations to demonstrate public interest operation during DEI investigations.
Disney's legal argument
Disney claims FCC used only less intrusive tools to investigate DEI practices without forcing early license renewals.
“These are not merely 'theoretical' tools ... they have been used by the agency for decades”
FCC response
FCC spokesperson dismissed Disney's filing as an attempt to block court procedures.
“Disney’s latest filing only confirms that they’ve filed a meritless case in the wrong court at the wrong time”
FCC probe into The View
The FCC launched a probe into ABC's 'The View' over equal opportunity requirements.
What happens next
FCC will continue holding broadcasters accountable to regulatory obligations.
The key point
ABC and Disney accuse FCC of inflicting maximal coercive pressure through early license renewals to avoid judicial review.
