Disney and ABC filed a federal lawsuit on August 18, 2026, to block the Federal Communications Commission’s order requiring eight ABC-owned stations to seek license renewal years earlier than scheduled [1, 2, 3, 4]. Normally, the licenses were due to be renewed between 2028 and 2031, but the FCC ordered the early filings in April 2026 [1, 4, 5, 6, 7].
The broadcasters allege the early renewal order is retaliation by the Trump administration over ABC’s critical coverage of President Trump. The lawsuit claims the government is launching a politically motivated campaign to punish ABC for its editorial content, specifically citing Trump’s 2025 social media posts threatening ABC’s licenses and targeting host Jimmy Kimmel [1, 3, 5, 8, 9, 6]. The suit says: "Government censorship is deeply un-American. This case concerns the Administration's sustained effort to do just that," and that the FCC’s "true target... is the content of Plaintiffs' programming—and thus their speech" [1, 6].
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, who ordered the early reviews, denies political motivation. He said the reviews are due to concerns over diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices and public interest compliance at Disney-owned ABC stations [1, 3, 5, 6]. "If broadcasters don't like that, that's okay. They can become a cable channel, they can become a podcast, they can stream online. But if you want to uniquely be on the public's airwaves, you have to comply with those obligations," Carr said [1]. The FCC’s position is that the early renewals are standard enforcement tied to investigations into DEI and candidate airtime on shows like "The View" [1, 5, 6].
The lawsuit seeks a court order to halt the early license renewals and any possible hearings to revoke or deny the licenses [1, 2, 3]. Eight ABC stations owned by Disney are targeted among over 200 ABC licenses nationwide [6]. The FCC’s early renewal move is described as unprecedented in more than 50 years [1, 4, 6]. In addition, late night host Jimmy Kimmel was briefly suspended under FCC pressure in September 2025 after controversial remarks but was reinstated after public outcry [1, 3, 6]. Disability advocates have voiced support for ABC’s challenge, calling it a necessary stand against attacks on free media [5].
The next step awaits the court’s decision on the lawsuit, which could determine whether the FCC can proceed with the early renewal process or if ABC stations will maintain their originally scheduled license periods.
