Disney sues US regulator, claiming political retaliation over ABC stations

What the report says

Disney has sued the U.S. Federal Communications Commission in Washington, DC, seeking to block what it says is an early licence review for eight ABC-owned and operated stations. According to Al Jazeera, the company argues the move is politically motivated and meant to pressure ABC over its coverage, rather than being a routine regulatory step.

The complaint says the FCC ordered the stations to renew their licences ahead of schedule in April, even though several of the current terms are not close to expiring. Disney says the action is part of a broader retaliatory campaign tied to criticism from President Donald Trump and his administration. The filing also points to Trump’s public statements on social media in 2025 calling for ABC to lose its licences over coverage he viewed as unfair.

Al Jazeera reported that the FCC has said the review relates to diversity, equity and inclusion practices at Disney and to an investigation involving ABC’s talk show The View. The case comes after earlier threats from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr toward broadcasters and recent clashes between Trump and ABC over commentary by late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. Free speech advocates cited by Al Jazeera welcomed the lawsuit as a challenge to what they described as regulatory intimidation.

Disney requested a speedy hearing and temporary court protection. Shares in Disney rose in morning trading after news of the lawsuit.