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ABC has filed to renew its local TV licenses "under protest," accusing the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of "unconstitutional retaliation." The network made this claim on Thursday (May 28) as it submitted renewal applications for its broadcasting licenses, asserting that the FCC's order was unlawful and unconstitutional.
In April, the FCC directed ABC to submit these applications years ahead of schedule, a move the network says is intended to suppress speech. ABC contends that the FCC's actions are a response to content the government disapproves of, and it has described the order as an attempt to punish the network. According to CNN, the FCC's chairman, Brendan Carr, stated that the license challenge is part of an investigation into Disney's diversity initiatives.
The FCC has been investigating Disney for alleged discrimination based on race, gender, or other protected characteristics, which Carr claims violates federal nondiscrimination laws. Carr, who aligns with President Trump, has criticized "woke" activism and insists the FCC will follow the facts and law. However, Deadline reports that the FCC's lone Democratic commissioner, Anna Gomez, argues that the investigation is politically motivated, targeting Disney and ABC as part of a broader campaign of censorship.
ABC has retained attorney Paul Clement, known for his expertise in Supreme Court cases, to challenge the FCC's actions if necessary. The network argues that the FCC's order is inconsistent with a legitimate exercise of investigative authority and violates the First Amendment. ABC claims the early renewal demand is a pretext to potentially revoke licenses and silence dissenting voices.
The FCC has not required early license renewals in over 50 years, and ABC asserts that this unprecedented move threatens free speech. As part of its response, ABC has filed public-interest statements for each of its eight stations, detailing their community contributions.
The situation remains tense as ABC prepares for a potential legal battle to defend its broadcasting rights and uphold the First Amendment.