Disney Urges Judge to Block FCC's Early License Reviews

Disney asked a U.S. judge on Thursday to block the FCC from conducting an early review of eight ABC station licenses, arguing that President Donald Trump’s threats against reporters and broadcast networks show the review is retaliatory.

In a court filing, Disney and ABC said FCC Chair Brendan Carr is carrying out Trump’s directives “aimed at curbing speech critical of the administration.” The company said Carr’s actions were improper but unsurprising, because Trump has indicated he could fire the chairman “at will” if Carr is “insufficiently responsive to his directives.”

The White House and Carr did not immediately comment.

Carr ordered the early reviews in April, a day after Trump urged ABC to fire late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. The stations’ licenses were not due for consideration until October 2028. The FCC had not ordered an early review in more than 50 years.

Trump has repeatedly pressed broadcasters to drop comedy and news programs that joke about or criticize him and has called on the FCC to strip stations of licenses. Disney cited recent threats against NBC’s Kristen Welker and an ABC White House reporter who asked about potential $5,000 stimulus checks; Trump told the reporter, “You're the worst.” On Aug. 30, Trump said Welker would be reported to the FCC for “rebuke or punishment.”

Disney said Carr later warned the commission could issue guidance on “fake polls,” and on Wednesday he declined to say whether he would act against Welker or issue that guidance. The company argued Carr is using early license renewals “to punish broadcasters for disfavored speech.”

Broadcast stations need FCC licenses to use the public airwaves. License revocations are rare, but critics say the threat of losing a license can pressure networks and chill programming decisions.