ABC has filed a strong opposition to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regarding petitions to deny its stations' broadcast licenses, alleging the agency's early renewal review is an act of retaliation. The network contends the FCC's accelerated process, targeting eight ABC-owned stations, is driven by dissatisfaction with content and viewpoints expressed on ABC programs, particularly those critical of the Trump administration.
The FCC, led by Chairman Brendan Carr, called for an early renewal of these licenses in April. Typically, these licenses would be up for renewal between 2028 and 2031. The stations are required to demonstrate they have been operating in the public interest, a process that now includes an examination of Disney's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices. While Jimmy Kimmel's criticism of President Trump and the administration's reaction are not explicitly mentioned in the FCC filing, ABC argues the move is retaliatory.
These eight stations are KFSN-TV in Fresno, KABC-TV in Los Angeles, KGO-TV in San Francisco, WLS-TV in Chicago, WABC-TV in New York, WTVD in Durham, N.C., WPVI-TV in Philadelphia, and KTRK-TV in Houston. ABC's legal team stated in its filing that the commission is singling out these stations because the administration has openly called for their licenses to be revoked due to content they dislike.
ABC asserts that the FCC has spent the past 18 months seeking a reason to revoke the licenses but has found none, as the stations reportedly meet the legal standards for renewal. The network argued that even if a violation were substantiated, the FCC has less severe remedies available than non-renewal of corporate licenses.
ABC also pointed to the significant public support for the stations, noting that over 140,000 comments were received, with more than 95% in favor of renewal. These comments came from a wide range of community members and organizations, which ABC claims demonstrates the stations serve the public interest with distinction and reflect a commitment to free speech and press freedom.
The FCC, in response, stated that broadcasters are given free use of public airwaves in exchange for operating in the public interest, not for partisan gain. An FCC spokesperson emphasized the agency's commitment to holding broadcasters accountable for complying with regulations, including those related to DEI, political equal opportunity, and news reporting standards.
Separately, the Media Research Center, a conservative watchdog group, has supported the FCC's early review of ABC's licenses, arguing that public confidence in the media is at historic lows and that their filing is based on documented conduct rather than political disagreement.