ABC sues FCC, calls agency's action a 'retaliatory' license review

ABC is suing the Trump administration's Federal Communications Commission over possible blockage of the network's broadcast station licenses. The lawsuit, filed Tuesday in a district court in Washington, argues that the FCC's actions come at the behest of President Trump's disdain for ABC's coverage. The network claims the FCC is waging a retaliatory campaign based on disapproval of ABC's broadcasts. The FCC's April review of eight ABC local broadcast station licenses—years before they expire—represents the first early-renewal order of its kind in decades and could lead to revocation of ABC's Walt Disney Co.-held broadcast licenses. The early review follows tension between the administration and ABC's late-night programming. Disney suspended "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" for a week after the host made remarks about conservatives grieving Charlie Kirk's death, drawing public condemnation and pressure from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr. Trump has repeatedly called for Kimmel's firing. The order also followed another Kimmel joke about first lady Melania Trump. Additionally, the FCC probed ABC's daytime talk show "The View," which Trump has criticized for bias. Most recently, Trump called for ABC and NBC to lose their broadcasting licenses for not airing his July Oval Office address about election security. In response, the FCC stated that "all broadcasters have a legal obligation to operate in the public interest" and that the agency has been examining claims that Disney engaged in illegal diversity, equity and inclusion discrimination for over a year. ABC's lawsuit cites First Amendment violations and requests a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction, asking for a "speedy hearing" from the court.