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Disney and ABC sue Trump's media regulator to stop early licence renewal

August 18, 2026

Disney and ABC have filed a lawsuit against the Federal Communications Commission and its chairman, accusing the Trump administration of politically motivated retaliation through an unprecedented early license renewal process for ABC's television stations. The companies argue the FCC's April order demanding renewal applications within 30 days—a process that typically takes months and hasn't been required early in over 50 years—constitutes government censorship targeting ABC's editorial content. The lawsuit cites President Trump's own social media posts criticizing ABC's negative coverage and questioning whether their broadcast licenses should be terminated as evidence of political motivation.

Who is affected

  • Disney and its eight owned-and-operated TV stations
  • ABC network and its programming
  • FCC (Federal Communications Commission) and Chairman Brendan Carr
  • Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel and The View talk show
  • President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump
  • The broader media industry facing potential regulatory pressure
  • Viewers of ABC programming

What action is being taken

  • Disney and ABC have filed a lawsuit against the FCC and its chairman
  • Disney is requesting a "speedy hearing" from the court and a temporary restraining order
  • The FCC is examining claims that Disney engaged in illegal DEI discrimination (ongoing for over a year)
  • The FCC has ordered license renewals for Disney-owned ABC stations with a 30-day application deadline

Why it matters

  • This case represents a significant test of First Amendment protections and the boundaries between government regulatory authority and media independence. The lawsuit challenges whether federal agencies can use their regulatory powers to pressure media companies over editorial content that is critical of government officials. If the FCC can successfully demand early license renewals in response to programming content or presidential criticism, it could create a chilling effect on press freedom and establish precedent for government retaliation against media organizations. The outcome will determine whether broadcast regulators maintain traditional limits on their authority or can expand their power to influence editorial decisions through licensing pressure.

What's next

  • Disney and ABC are awaiting a court decision on their request for a temporary restraining order
  • A "speedy hearing" has been requested from the court on the lawsuit
  • The 30-day deadline for ABC and Disney to file renewal applications is proceeding unless blocked by the court
  • The FCC has stated it "will continue to follow the facts and law wherever they lead" in its examination of Disney

Read full article from source: BBC