Judge Seeks More Briefing in ABC-FCC License Dispute

A federal judge on Tuesday declined to rule immediately on ABC’s request to halt the Federal Communications Commission’s early review of broadcast licenses for eight ABC-owned stations, instead ordering more briefing from both sides. The government’s submission is due October 9, followed by ABC’s response on October 14. ABC is seeking an order blocking the FCC from taking further action in the accelerated license proceedings while its lawsuit proceeds. The stations’ licenses otherwise were scheduled for renewal between 2028 and 2031. Judge Loren AliKhan’s request for additional arguments leaves unresolved whether the review can continue and whether the court will consider ABC’s constitutional claims. At the hearing, ABC attorney Beth Wilkinson argued that the agency’s action is influencing the network’s editorial decisions. She told the judge that ABC was watching everything it did and said the review had prompted the network to reconsider coverage and content.