ABC and Disney sue FCC over alleged First Amendment violation

ABC and Disney sue FCC over alleged First Amendment violation

Politics

ABC, its parent The Walt Disney Company, and eight local stations filed a federal lawsuit in Washington, D. C. , alleging that the Federal Communications Commission’s demand for an early renewal of their broadcast licenses violates their First Amendment rights and seeking an injunction to stop the review.

The filing follows earlier complaints that the FCC’s actions were prompted by President Trump’s criticism of ABC’s programming. ABC had previously sued the agency on First Amendment grounds, and Disney separately lodged a suit claiming the same constitutional breach.

Actors

ABC Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Brendan Carr Donald Trump Josh D'Amaro Disney

Locations

Washington, D.C., United States

Articles

August 18, 2026
5 total
ABC and Disney file lawsuit against FCC alleging First Amendment violations
ABC and Disney file lawsuit against FCC alleging First Amendment violations

NPR • 18 Aug 19:51

ABC and its parent company Disney have sued the Federal Communications Commission, claiming the agency’s investigations and license reviews were prompted by President Trump’s criticism of the network’s programming and constitute unlawful retaliation.

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Disney and ABC File Lawsuit to Block FCC Early License Renewal Order
Disney and ABC File Lawsuit to Block FCC Early License Renewal Order

NBC News • 18 Aug 15:35

The Walt Disney Company and ABC have sued the Federal Communications Commission to halt an order requiring their eight owned-and-operated TV stations to submit broadcast license renewals years ahead of schedule.

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ABC and Disney sue FCC over early broadcast-license review
ABC and Disney sue FCC over early broadcast-license review

WTOP • 18 Aug 13:59

ABC, its parent Disney and eight local stations filed a federal lawsuit claiming the FCC’s demand for early renewal of their broadcast licenses violates their First Amendment rights.

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Disney sues FCC over alleged First Amendment breach
Disney sues FCC over alleged First Amendment breach

AP News • 18 Aug 13:47

The Walt Disney Company filed a lawsuit against the Federal Communications Commission, claiming the agency violated its First Amendment rights in an early review of ABC broadcast licenses.

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ABC sues FCC over early broadcast license review, citing First Amendment concerns
ABC sues FCC over early broadcast license review, citing First Amendment concerns

CNBC • 18 Aug 13:11

ABC has filed a lawsuit in Washington, D.C., alleging that the FCC's early review of its broadcast licenses is a retaliatory action tied to the network's programming, and seeks to halt the proceedings.

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