FCC asks judge to dismiss Disney lawsuit over ABC license reviews

The Federal Communications Commission is asking a federal judge to dismiss Disney’s lawsuit challenging the agency’s decision to accelerate license reviews for the company’s eight ABC-owned television stations.

In a filing Sept. 4, 2026, the FCC argued that Disney’s lawsuit could interfere with its investigation into allegations that the company engaged in unlawful discrimination. The commission also contends that the dispute belongs before a federal appeals court rather than U.S. District Court.

FCC Chair Brendan Carr ordered the early license reviews in April, even though the stations were not scheduled for renewal consideration until October 2028. The move marked the first time in more than 50 years that the FCC had ordered such an early review.

The reviews were announced one day after Donald Trump called on ABC to fire late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. Trump has repeatedly criticized broadcasters over news and entertainment programming and has called for stations to lose their licenses over content he opposes.

Carr has said no decision has been made on whether Disney’s licenses should be referred for a hearing.

Disney sued the FCC, accusing the agency of attempting to pressure and retaliate against a network that would not comply with demands from the Trump administration. The company characterized the FCC’s actions as an attack on its free speech rights.

An Oct. 6, 2026, hearing in Washington, D.C. has been scheduled.

The FCC has agreed to provide at least 48 hours’ notice before referring any of Disney’s ABC station licenses for a public hearing.

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The dispute comes as Carr also continues an investigation into diversity practices at Comcast, the parent company of NBC. Trump recently called for the FCC to punish NBC after journalist Kristen Welker criticized his record of endorsing political candidates.

Carr’s FCC has yet to target any media outlets who air views in-line with the administration’s agenda but others may disagree with, prompting accusations of bias and using the federal government to target what it sees as political enemies. 

Broadcast television stations require FCC licenses to use the public airwaves. License revocations are rare, although critics have argued that threats involving broadcast licenses can create pressure on networks’ editorial and programming decisions.