Disney sues FCC over alleged First Amendment breach

The Walt Disney Company filed a lawsuit on Tuesday in federal court alleging that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) infringed on its First Amendment rights. The suit follows recent comments by FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, who defended the agency’s actions against ABC and said broadcasters must "operate in the public interest" while the nation lacks a "trusted, respected news media."

ABC has contested the FCC’s early review of eight of its local broadcast licenses, which began in April, arguing that the review seeks to chill constitutionally protected speech. The network’s opposition was filed shortly after the agency cited the company's diversity, equity and inclusion practices as a factor in the review.

"Broadcasters have a duty to operate in the public interest," Carr said, adding that the country needs a trusted, respected news media.

The lawsuit comes amid broader tensions involving the FCC, the Trump administration, and media figures, including a dispute over a late-night television joke that drew criticism from the president.