Escalation: FCC orders early ABC license renewals

Disney and ABC filed suit in federal court in Washington to halt the FCC’s accelerated license-renewal process for eight ABC-owned stations. The order forces applications years ahead of schedule, with licenses otherwise due between 2028 and 2031, and allowed just 30 days to file. The companies asked for a temporary restraining order, a preliminary injunction, and a speedy hearing.

The filing alleges a retaliatory campaign tied to the administration’s criticism of ABC programming and cites presidential posts questioning whether broadcast licenses should be terminated. It notes the April order followed a day after a call to fire Jimmy Kimmel, and recounts Kimmel’s brief suspension in September 2025 after public criticism from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr before the show returned.

The early review tracks with FCC scrutiny of The View and of Disney’s DEI practices. The View has not booked political candidates since February. The complaint says the agency had not sought early renewals in more than 50 years and that the public comment window closed earlier this month, leaving room for FCC action unless the court steps in.

AI-synthesized from multiple reported sources