FCC Urges Court to Dismiss Disney Lawsuit Over ABC Licences
Synopsis
The FCC is asking a federal court to dismiss Disney’s challenge to early reviews of eight ABC station licences, escalating a legal battle over alleged discrimination, broadcaster free speech and government influence over media.
The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has asked a federal judge to dismiss Disney’s lawsuit challenging the agency’s decision to conduct an early review of licences for the entertainment company’s eight ABC-owned television stations.
In a court filing on Thursday, the FCC argued that blocking the reviews would interfere with its investigation into allegations that Disney and ABC engaged in unlawful discrimination.
The regulator said the lawsuit could prevent it from examining evidence needed to resolve the investigation.
The dispute has become a broader test of broadcasters’ First Amendment protections, particularly as President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticised ABC programming and called for the network’s licences to be revoked.
Unusual Early Licence Review
FCC Chair Brendan Carr ordered the early reviews in April, despite the eight stations not being scheduled for normal licence renewal until 2028. The agency’s May public notice confirmed that the stations were being called in for early renewal as part of an ongoing investigation into possible violations of federal anti-discrimination laws.
The move was highly unusual. The FCC had not ordered an early review of this kind in more than 50 years, according to Reuters. Carr has said he has not decided whether Disney’s licences should ultimately be referred for a hearing.
Disney and ABC sued the FCC in August, arguing that the agency was using the threat of licence action to retaliate against a broadcaster that refused to follow administration demands. Disney described the FCC’s actions as an assault on free speech.
Court Fight Over Broadcast Freedom
The FCC’s latest filing comes as scrutiny of broadcasters intensifies. Trump has also targeted NBC correspondent Kristen Welker and suggested the FCC should take action after she questioned his record of endorsing political candidates. Carr has not ruled out an early review of Comcast-owned NBC licences.
US broadcast stations require FCC licences to use public airwaves. While licence revocations are rare, critics argue that regulatory threats could pressure broadcasters over their editorial decisions.
US District Judge Loren AliKhan has scheduled a hearing on Disney’s lawsuit for October 5. The FCC has agreed to provide Disney with at least 48 hours’ notice before referring its ABC licences for a hearing.
Source: Reuters
Vishal is an experienced Editor at Inspirepreneur Magazine with key interests in artificial intelligence, eCommerce, entrepreneurship, lifestyle and startup sector. Prior to joining Inspirepreneur, he was a Content Writer cum Correspondent at Siliconindia Magazine, where he worked on Company Profiles, Cover Stories, Executive Profiles, Feature Articles and Thought Leadership content.
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