Anchor
ABC and Disney sue FCC over broadcast license reviews
Rule ChangesDisney asks a court to stop an early license review it calls retaliation for Jimmy Kimmel and other Trump-critical programming
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Overview
Updated YesterdayA federal agency can pull the license a TV station needs to broadcast. On August 18, 2026, ABC, its parent Walt Disney, and eight ABC-owned stations sued the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to stop it from using that power against them.
The FCC, which regulates broadcasting, opened an early review of those eight licenses in April, roughly two years before the first one expires. Disney says the review is punishment for jokes by late-night host Jimmy Kimmel and other coverage the president dislikes. It asked a court to freeze the proceedings, which it calls an 'existential threat.'
Why it matters
If a regulator can threaten a broadcaster's licenses over programming a president dislikes, the license becomes a lever to control what airs.
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Key Indicators
8
ABC stations under review
The FCC ordered early renewal review of all eight ABC-owned stations, from New York to Fresno.
2028
Year first license actually expires
The earliest of the eight licenses was not due to expire until 2028, making the review unusually early.
2002
Year FCC exempted 'The View'
The FCC ruled in 2002 that 'The View' is a news program exempt from equal-time rules, a decision Carr is revisiting.
$15M
Prior Disney-Trump settlement
In December 2024, ABC settled a defamation suit from Trump for $15 million toward his presidential foundation.
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ABC and Disney sue FCC over broadcast license reviews
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People Involved
Brendan Carr
Chairman, Federal Communications Commission
Defending the license review as an investigation into Disney's DEI practices
Anna Gomez
FCC Commissioner (Democrat)
Opposing the agency's actions against ABC
Jimmy Kimmel
Host, 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' on ABC
Back on air; his monologue is at the center of the dispute
Organizations Involved
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Federal Agency
Defendant; ordered the early license review
The federal agency that licenses and regulates U.S. broadcasters.
Walt Disney Company / ABC
Media Company
Plaintiff; seeking to halt the review
Disney owns the ABC broadcast network and the eight stations under FCC review.
Timeline
September 2025 August 2026
7 events
Latest: Yesterday
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-
ABC and Disney sue the FCC
Latest LegalABC, Disney, and the eight stations sue in federal court in Washington, alleging First Amendment retaliation and asking a judge to halt the review.
-
ABC calls review 'retaliation campaign'
RegulatoryABC asks the FCC to dismiss the review as 'untimely and unwarranted,' framing it as retaliation for protected speech.
-
Disney files 'under protest'
RegulatoryDisney submits the early renewal applications while calling the order unlawful and unconstitutional. Carr vows to 'follow the facts.'
-
FCC orders early license review
RegulatoryCarr demands early renewal review of ABC's eight owned stations, citing Disney's diversity practices. The first license was not due to expire until 2028.
-
Kimmel returns to air
CorporateABC resumes production of the show. Affiliates that had preempted it soon stop doing so.
-
ABC suspends Kimmel after FCC pressure
CorporateCarr says broadcasters can act 'the easy way or the hard way.' ABC pulls the show as two large station groups threaten to drop it.
-
Kimmel monologue sparks backlash
StatementDays after Charlie Kirk's killing, Kimmel accuses 'the MAGA gang' of distancing itself from the suspect. The White House and FCC react.
Historical Context
3 moments from history that rhyme with this story — and how they unfolded.
June 1969
Red Lion Broadcasting Co. v. FCC (1969)
The Supreme Court unanimously upheld the FCC's fairness doctrine, ruling that because the airwaves are a scarce public resource, the government may impose public-interest obligations on broadcasters that would be unconstitutional for print.
Then
The ruling affirmed the FCC's authority to regulate broadcast content in the 'public interest.'
Now
The fairness doctrine was later abandoned in 1987, but the 'public interest' standard still governs license reviews today.
Why this matters now
It is the legal foundation Carr invokes when he says broadcasters must serve 'the public interest,' and the standard Disney must fight within.
1972-1973
Nixon allies challenge Washington Post TV licenses (1972-1973)
During Watergate, associates of President Nixon filed challenges to the licenses of two Florida television stations owned by The Washington Post Company. Post editors saw it as payback for the paper's reporting. Nixon was recorded saying the Post would have 'damnable, damnable problems' with its licenses.
Then
The stations' stock price fell sharply as the challenges hung over them. The Post kept publishing its Watergate coverage.
Now
The FCC ultimately renewed the licenses after Nixon's fall. The episode became a textbook case of using broadcast regulation to pressure the press.
Why this matters now
It is the clearest precedent for a president's allies using station licenses as leverage against critical coverage, the exact claim in Disney's suit.
July 2025
Paramount settles Trump's '60 Minutes' suit (2025)
Paramount, then seeking FCC approval for its Skydance merger, paid about $16 million to settle a lawsuit Trump brought over a CBS '60 Minutes' interview edit. Critics called it a payment to clear a regulatory path.
Then
The FCC approved the merger weeks later. Several CBS journalists and executives departed.
Now
The deal became a reference point for how regulatory approval and presidential grievances can intertwine at a broadcaster.
Why this matters now
It shows the settlement path Disney could take, and why press-freedom advocates fear regulatory pressure shaping newsroom decisions.