Media Research Center President David Bozell has petitioned the Federal Communications Commission to deny the early renewal of broadcast licenses for ABC's eight owned television stations, citing partisan bias, electioneering, misinformation, and failure to serve the public interest.
The petition, filed Monday, targets ABC Owned Stations properties in major markets including New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. It argues that the Disney-owned network abuses its access to public airwaves by operating like a "partisan cable network" rather than fulfilling broadcaster obligations.
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| David Bozell |
The filing accuses ABC of favoring Democrats, insufficient coverage of key issues, excusing political violence, and spreading misinformation, particularly in news and entertainment programming. Bozell, speaking on behalf of petitioners, emphasized that ABC has First Amendment rights but no automatic right to public spectrum.
This action continues the Media Research Center's longstanding mission of serving as "a stronghold against misinformation, media bias, and distortion, promoting a culture of fairness, accuracy, and accountability." Under Bozell's leadership, the MRC has expanded its watchdog efforts amid heightened scrutiny of broadcast media obligations.
The FCC's decision to require early license renewals—years ahead of the standard 2028 timeline—has intensified the regulatory battle. ABC stations must respond within 30 days. The petition aligns with broader conservative criticism of the network's coverage, including controversies involving programs like "The View."Broadcast licenses are granted with public interest requirements, a standard the MRC argues ABC has violated through sustained bias.
The outcome could set a precedent for accountability in legacy television amid shifting political and regulatory landscapes.