ABC Sues FCC to Block Scrutiny of Woke Programming, Cites First Amendment
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ABC has filed a lawsuit in Washington, D.C., claiming the FCC’s early review of its broadcast licenses is retaliation for its programming, as the network seeks to halt oversight of its controversial diversity and inclusion agenda.
ABC, the Disney-owned network notorious for pushing leftist narratives, has filed a First Amendment lawsuit against the Federal Communications Commission in a Washington, D.C., district court. The network alleges that the FCC’s early review of its broadcast licenses is a retaliatory response to its programming, attempting to shield itself from legitimate oversight. ABC’s lawsuit seeks to block the commission’s efforts to hold the network accountable by stopping the early renewal process.
The FCC, led by Chairman Brendan Carr—appointed by President Donald Trump—initiated the review in April, years before the licenses are set to expire, citing concerns about ABC’s aggressive diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices. ABC, refusing to accept any scrutiny of its woke agenda, responded in May by submitting its renewal applications "under protest in response to an unlawful, arbitrary, and unconstitutional order" from the commission.
"We continue to face irreparable harm from the administration, which has been acting through the FCC," the network claimed in its filing, portraying itself as a victim while resisting accountability.
Chairman Carr told CNBC that the agency’s focus is on Disney’s DEI practices and insisted the early renewal is not about First Amendment issues. The commission has not yet commented on the lawsuit, but the move is seen as a necessary step to ensure broadcasters don’t abuse their platforms for political indoctrination.
Disney CEO Josh D'Amaro doubled down in a recent interview, stating, "Our position is clear. We are principled, we will stand up for journalistic integrity, and we will not be told how to run that side of our business." ABC’s lawsuit is the latest example of corporate media trying to evade oversight while pushing divisive social agendas.