Disney and ABC seek dismissal of FCC early license review

The Walt Disney Company and its ABC network have formally asked the Federal Communications Commission to dismiss an unprecedented early license renewal proceeding against eight of its owned television stations, accusing the agency of orchestrating a retaliatory campaign on behalf of President Donald Trump. The legal filing, submitted on July 29, 2026, argues the FCC’s actions are an unconstitutional attempt to punish the broadcaster for disfavored speech on network programs.

The FCC, led by Chairman Brendan Carr, ordered the eight stations-located in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Houston, San Francisco, Raleigh-Durham, and Fresno-to submit renewal applications years ahead of their normal eight-year schedule, which runs through 2028 to 2031. The agency has stated the early review is part of an ongoing investigation into Disney’s diversity, equity, and inclusion practices for potential antidiscrimination violations. However, Disney and ABC contend the probe is a pretext, noting the order was issued in April 2026, one day after President Trump criticized ABC and called for late-night host Jimmy Kimmel to be fired over a joke about First Lady Melania Trump.