Walt Disney’s ABC filed for early broadcast license renewals for its eight television stations. The filing complies with an April order issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Disney submitted the applications under protest, labeling the FCC demand an unlawful and unconstitutional act of political retaliation. The company characterizes the action as a coercive effort to suppress disfavored speech.
The FCC cited an investigation into Disney’s diversity and inclusion policies as the basis for the accelerated review. However, the move follows White House criticism of ABC content, specifically jokes made by late-night host Jimmy Kimmel.