ABC Files Early FCC License Renewals, Calls Effort Illegitimate

Author: Elif Karataş

ABC Files Early License Renewals with FCC, Calls Effort Illegitimate

Walt Disney unit ABC filed applications for early license review with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for its eight owned television stations, following pressure from President Donald Trump to take action against the network.

FCC's Early Review Order

The FCC ordered early license renewals in April, a day after Trump urged ABC to fire late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. ABC called the order 'unlawful, arbitrary, and unconstitutional,' violating its First Amendment free speech rights.

Free Speech Concerns

ABC stated, 'This effort to suppress speech under the guise of bureaucratic process must not prevail.' The company argued the FCC's action is an unprecedented attack on a single company's broadcast licenses.

Trump's Pressure on Media

Trump has repeatedly urged broadcasters to drop programs he dislikes and pressed regulators to revoke licenses of networks he deems unfair. The FCC is also investigating ABC's talk show 'The View' for equal time rule violations.

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