The Walt Disney Co. (NYSE: DIS) has filed a legal request asking a U.S. judge to block an early review of eight ABC station licenses by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The company argues that the agency's review is a retaliatory measure targeting news coverage critical of President Donald Trump.
In the court filing, Disney and ABC stated that FCC Chair Brendan Carr is carrying out directives from the Trump administration that specifically target speech critical of the White House. The companies contend that the FCC’s decision to review the licenses constitutes retaliation for disfavored news and entertainment programming.
The FCC ordered the reviews in April, despite the fact that the stations’ licenses were not scheduled for renewal until October 2028. The agency noted that it had not ordered such an early review in more than 50 years. The move followed a period in which Trump called for ABC to fire late-night host Jimmy Kimmel.
Disney cited Trump’s criticism of journalists, including NBC’s Kristen Welker and an ABC White House reporter, as part of the context for the legal challenge. The company noted that Trump has previously called for broadcasters to face consequences over programming and coverage he opposes. ABC has more than 200 affiliated stations across the U.S., but Disney directly owns the eight stations currently under scrutiny.
Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) described the administration’s actions as "blatant attacks" on the free press, while Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) similarly criticized threats against ABC’s licenses.
On Friday, Walt Disney Co. shares closed at $102.67, down 2.54%.
