MED-008 · Press & media · Broadcast regulation
FCC orders an early license review of ABC's stations
Stage 4 of 5: Legal action · Lawsuits, subpoenas, charges · Last development 12 Oct 2026
In April 2026 the FCC's Media Bureau ordered Disney's ABC to file early license renewals for its eight owned TV stations, citing possible violations of the Communications Act and FCC rules, including on discrimination. Disney and the ABC stations sued the FCC in Washington, saying the review is retaliation for protected speech. The FCC calls it a routine regulatory inquiry and has asked the court to dismiss the case.
ABC News is reporting on its own parent company. Retaliation is Disney's claim in court; the court has not ruled. No license has been revoked or denied.
- People
- Brendan Carr, Disney, ABC
- Agencies
- FCC
- Reviewed by
- Federal court (D.D.C.)
Timeline
At the judge's direction, Disney and ABC file a supplemental brief arguing the FCC chose early renewal to apply "maximal coercive pressure" while avoiding court review. [3]
Judge AliKhan hears arguments on ABC's request to pause the review; the FCC calls it a "routine regulatory inquiry" and moves to dismiss. No ruling yet. [2]
Disney and the ABC stations sue the FCC in federal court in Washington, claiming retaliation for protected speech; the case goes to Judge Loren AliKhan. [2]
The FCC Media Bureau orders ABC to file early license renewals for its eight owned stations within 30 days, saying "additional actions are appropriate at this time." [1]
Responses
- FCC (Adam Jackman): Called it a "meritless case in the wrong court at the wrong time." [3]
Who is acting on it
- Lawsuit Disney and its ABC stations: Sued the FCC, calling the early license review retaliation for protected speech (Aug 2026, Under way)
Sources
Cite this case
Public Trust Tracker. "FCC orders an early license review of ABC's stations" (MED-008). Last updated 12 Oct 2026. https://publictrusttracker.org/case/med-008-fcc-orders-an-early-license-review-of-abcs-stations/
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