Poynter is reporting that ABC has accused the Federal Communications Commission of "attempted censorship" and political retaliation. The network's fervent filing with the FCC comes as the commission conducts an "extremely rare early review" of licenses for eight ABC-owned TV stations, which are not set to expire until 2028.
The report states that FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has "hassled, threatened and tried to intimidate ABC" for over a year, targeting programs like "Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night talk show" and "The View" over perceived political bias. ABC claims the FCC is singling out the network because the administration dislikes its content and viewpoints. The network's filing asserts that the FCC's actions are a "signal to every media company in the country" to align with the administration's views or "pay the price," accusing the commission of trying to stifle free speech.
The filing specifically named President Donald Trump and Chairman Carr, stating that Trump has "expressly demanded" the revocation of ABC’s broadcast licenses for speech he dislikes. Carr, appointed by Trump, initiated the early review in April, citing diversity, equity and inclusion practices. Deadline's Ted Johnson noted that ABC's filing cited instances of threats Trump made against the network regarding its news coverage and handling of the 2024 presidential debate.
ABC's filing maintains that the FCC has found no legitimate pretext for revoking the stations' licenses, as they easily meet renewal standards. Public response to the FCC's review has seen over 150,000 comments, with an overwhelming majority supporting ABC. The Los Angeles Times' Meg James reported that the FCC is expected to make a determination next month, potentially requiring ABC to defend its stations in a hearing. Disney, ABC's owner, has expanded its legal team, hiring trial lawyer Beth Wilkinson and Supreme Court litigator Paul D. Clement.
An FCC spokesperson said broadcasters are legally required to operate in the public interest and are prohibited from "invidious forms of DEI discrimination," political equal opportunity violations, broadcast hoaxes or distorting the news. The spokesperson added that the FCC will hold broadcasters accountable "to the full extent of the law." However, Anna M. Gomez, the commission’s lone Democrat, criticized the actions as a "campaign of censorship and control," stating the FCC lacks authority to police the ideological balance of the airwaves.
Poynter also highlighted new Pew Research Center data from the Pew-Knight Initiative, which examines how Americans engage in public life across news, politics, religion and civic activities. The data provides a typology of participation in society.