Disney has filed a First Amendment lawsuit against the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), asserting that the agency's actions have compelled the talk show "The View" to exercise greater caution when booking political candidates. The lawsuit claims that the FCC's actions have created a chilling effect on the program's editorial decisions regarding guest selection and content airing.
According to the lawsuit, no candidate for public office has appeared on "The View" since February 2026, following an inquiry by the FCC's Bureau into the appearance of Democratic Texas Senate candidate James Talarico. Disney acknowledges in the filing that "The View" has become more circumspect in its guest bookings due to "cumulative pressure from the FCC’s multiple actions against ABC."
The lawsuit states that "The View" has passed on booking several political candidates and has also opted not to air video clips that it otherwise would have included in its "Hot Topics" segment or the program's opening. While the program's editorial standards have not changed, Disney contends that the FCC's actions have directly impacted booking decisions.
In response, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, appointed by President Donald Trump, called the lawsuit "meritless." He stated that the FCC "will follow the facts and the law wherever it takes us."
The FCC's scrutiny of ABC stations, including "The View," began in February 2026 with a probe triggered by Talarico's appearance. This led to an early renewal review of eight ABC-owned stations' licenses, which were originally scheduled for renewal between 2028 and 2031. Disney alleges this action is a retaliatory campaign against ABC, intended to exert pressure on broadcasters nationwide.
Disney also points to a separate incident involving late-night host Jimmy Kimmel's comments on an assassination. Carr initiated the early license renewal review of ABC stations in April, a move Disney believes was influenced by the controversy surrounding Kimmel's remarks. Carr, however, has stated that the FCC's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) probe prompted the early review, not Kimmel's comments.
The eight ABC-owned stations facing early license renewal reviews 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.
The lawsuit argues that the ongoing FCC proceedings inflict harm on ABC, either by leading to a hearing to deny license applications or by subjecting the company to protracted litigation and regulatory uncertainty. Disney asserts that this process serves to punish the plaintiffs.