FCC Chair Brendan Carr Accelerates License Review of ABC Stations

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr is conducting an unprecedented accelerated review of broadcast licenses for eight ABC-owned television stations. The proceeding began in April, shortly after President Donald Trump called for the firing of ABC host Jimmy Kimmel over a joke about First Lady Melania Trump. While Carr officially attributes the review to investigations into unlawful employment discrimination and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices, critics argue the move is a pretext to punish speech.

On July 28 and 29, a coalition of former FCC officials and bipartisan commissioners filed challenges characterizing the review as a grave violation of the Constitution. They allege the agency is sending a chilling message to broadcasters to carry speech the administration prefers. ABC has formally urged the FCC to dismiss the petitions, describing the action as an ongoing retaliation campaign for its coverage and programs like Jimmy Kimmel Live and The View. Additionally, the FCC is investigating whether an interview on The View violated the equal-time rule, which ABC is contesting by citing a 2002 news exemption.

Conservative organizations, including the Media Research Center and the Center for American Rights, have petitioned for the licenses to be revoked, alleging partisan bias and misinformation. In response, ABC contends its stations meet the public interest standard, supporting its claim with an AI analysis of over 153,000 public comments showing overwhelming support for renewal.