Disney sues FCC over ABC stations, alleging an 'extraordinary assault on free speech' and seeking a temporary restraining order.

Disney and its ABC unit have initiated legal action against the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), alleging that the agency's review of licenses for eight ABC stations constitutes an 'extraordinary assault on free speech.' The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Washington, claims that the FCC is retaliating against the network for its editorial choices that the Trump administration finds objectionable.¹

Disney's complaint highlights that the FCC's actions are a violation of the company's First Amendment rights, asserting that the agency is using its regulatory authority to punish Disney for programming decisions it disapproves of. The lawsuit seeks a temporary restraining order to halt the license renewal proceedings and prevent the FCC from scheduling a hearing.²⁴

U.S. District Judge Loren AliKhan has ordered both parties to propose a schedule for considering the request for a temporary restraining order. The FCC, led by Chair Brendan Carr, initiated the reviews in April, despite the fact that the licenses were not due for renewal until October 2028.

Democratic FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez criticized the agency's actions, stating that it has waged a campaign of censorship against Disney's ABC stations, using the threat of license revocation to control content. While such revocations are rare, the looming threat raises significant concerns about government interference in media operations and editorial freedom.