FCC Hits Back at Disney, ABC Lawsuit Over License Renewal Fight

The Federal Communications Commission has pushed back against a lawsuit filed by Disney and ABC, rejecting claims that the agency’s review of ABC’s broadcast licenses amounts to a politically motivated “retaliatory campaign” by the Trump administration.

In a statement to Breitbart News, an FCC spokesperson said all broadcasters must operate in the public interest—including Disney—and defended the agency’s ongoing examination of the company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion practices.

“All broadcasters have a legal obligation to operate in the public interest—even Disney,” the spokesperson said. “The FCC has been examining claims that Disney engaged in illegal DEI discrimination for over a year. Disney is obviously very concerned about the FCC’s proceeding, as evidenced by their ongoing campaign of disinformation as well as their decision to ask a court to stop the FCC from further pursuing matters. The FCC will continue to follow the facts and law wherever they lead.”

The statement comes after Disney and ABC filed suit against the FCC, alleging that the agency’s review of ABC station licenses was launched in retaliation for the network’s coverage of the president and its settlement of a defamation lawsuit brought by Trump. The lawsuit seeks to halt the FCC’s proceedings, which the companies argue are an abuse of agency power.

Early License Review and DEI Investigation

At the center of the dispute is an early license renewal review of ABC’s eight owned-and-operated television stations, which are licensed to use the publicly owned airwaves. The FCC launched the review earlier this year after saying it was investigating possible violations of the Communications Act of 1934 and the agency’s rules, including a prohibition against “unlawful discrimination.”

The FCC has said it is looking into whether Disney’s hiring, promotion, compensation, and other workplace practices discriminate on the basis of race, gender, and other protected classes. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has previously said that Disney has a history of alleged discriminatory behavior, pointing to internal policies and programs that favor certain groups.

According to the FCC, Disney only filed its license renewal applications after the agency informed the company that its responses to the investigation were “disingenuous, deficient, and improper.” The agency has stressed that broadcast licensees have a unique obligation to serve the public interest, a standard that applies to all holders of broadcast licenses, regardless of size or corporate status.

Background: ABC’s Settlement with Trump

The legal clash follows ABC’s settlement of a separate defamation lawsuit filed by President Trump over comments made by anchor George Stephanopoulos. During a segment on This Week, Stephanopoulos asserted that Trump had been found liable for raping E. Jean Carroll—a claim that was not accurate.

As part of the settlement, ABC issued an editor’s note expressing regret over the statements, paid $1 million toward Trump’s legal fees, and contributed $15 million to a nonprofit connected to the president’s presidential library. That settlement drew criticism from media watchdogs and fueled Republican accusations that major networks harbor bias against conservative figures.

Disney and ABC have not publicly commented on the substance of the FCC’s investigation, but their lawsuit contends that the agency’s actions are unlawful and politically driven. Legal experts say the case could test the limits of FCC authority over broadcast license renewals, particularly when disputes involve a sitting president and a major media company.

Eight Stations at Stake

The licenses in question cover ABC’s eight wholly owned television stations, located in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Houston, San Francisco, Raleigh, and Fresno. These stations are among the most valuable in the country, serving some of the largest media markets. A failure to renew any of these licenses—or the imposition of conditions—would have significant financial and operational consequences for Disney’s broadcasting arm.

The FCC’s response signals that the agency intends to press forward with its review despite the legal challenge. The spokesperson’s pointed language—accusing Disney of running a “campaign of disinformation”—suggests the commission views the lawsuit as an attempt to distract from the underlying investigation.

The case is likely to attract close attention from broadcasters, media companies, and legal observers, as it raises questions about the independence of administrative agencies, the limits of executive influence, and the obligations of broadcasters who use public airwaves. For now, the FCC has made clear it will not be deterred by the lawsuit, insisting that its review is based on evidence and law, not political pressure.

As the legal battle unfolds, the broader political context remains front and center. The Trump administration has frequently criticized major media outlets, and the FCC—led by a Republican chairman—has stepped up scrutiny of broadcast license renewals, particularly for networks seen as hostile to the president. Disney and ABC’s lawsuit is the latest flashpoint in that ongoing conflict, and its outcome could have ripple effects for how the FCC handles license renewals for all broadcasters.

Source: www.breitbart.com — https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/08/18/fcc-responds-lawsuit-filed-disney-abc-license-renewal/