The Walt Disney Company requested a federal judge block the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from reviewing eight ABC station licenses early. Disney filed the legal challenge on September 17, 2026.
The filing argues the review is a politically motivated effort to retaliate against news coverage critical of President Donald Trump. Disney claims FCC Chair Brendan Carr is acting on directives from Trump to challenge or revoke the licenses.
The lawsuit cites recent threats by Trump against specific journalists and on-air personalities as evidence of attempts to curb free speech. The FCC originally ordered these reviews in April. Disney describes the agency's action as unprecedented in the last 50 years.