Disney and ABC have criticized the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for its early license renewal order for local stations, claiming it attempts to 'suppress speech.' In a license renewal application for WABC-TV in New York, Disney stated that the process was conducted 'under protest' due to an order from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, which they described as 'unlawful, arbitrary, and unconstitutional.' Carr has stated that the order is part of an investigation into Disney's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices. Disney argues that the order is intended to stifle broadcast stations through bureaucratic means.
In their filing, Disney contended that the order is inconsistent with legitimate investigative authority and poses a threat to the First Amendment. They cited past comments from Trump administration officials, including Carr, as evidence of targeted coercion against ABC. The filing emphasized that forcing all stations in a media company's portfolio to file premature license renewal applications represents an extraordinary demonstration of power and coercion, which could threaten editorial independence.
FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez previously accused the Trump administration of launching a 'censorship' campaign against ABC. Disney's filing argued that regulatory retaliation could compromise the public's access to journalism free from government influence.
In response, Carr defended the FCC's actions, stating that the agency has been investigating Disney for over a year due to allegations of discrimination in violation of federal nondiscrimination laws. He asserted that Disney's applications for early license renewal were prompted by the FCC's concerns regarding the company's compliance with public interest requirements. Carr ordered eight Disney-owned ABC affiliates to file for early license renewal to demonstrate their operation in the public interest, following a controversial joke made by late-night host Jimmy Kimmel about Melania Trump.