ABC Sues FCC Over Threats to Broadcasting Licenses

The broadcasting network ABC sued the Federal Communications Commission in a Washington federal court on Tuesday, alleging the agency violated the First Amendment by threatening to strip its local broadcasting licenses. ABC, owned by the Walt Disney Company, claims the FCC's early review of licenses is a retaliatory effort by the Trump administration to punish the network for its editorial content and news coverage. The network describes the regulatory process as an "existential threat" and an "extraordinary assault on free speech."

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr dismissed the lawsuit as "meritless," asserting that the agency is holding the broadcaster accountable to its public interest and statutory obligations. As part of the regulatory scrutiny, the FCC has questioned whether the talk show "The View" still qualifies for an equal-time exemption for political candidates.

Judge Loren L. AliKhan has ordered both parties to propose a briefing schedule and requested notification if the FCC initiates a hearing process.