The Walt Disney Co.’s ABC network is opposing a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) effort to conduct early reviews of eight television station licenses. Disney characterizes the agency's move as an overreach that infringes on First Amendment rights.
The FCC action follows a demand from President Trump for ABC to fire late-night host Jimmy Kimmel over a joke. Disney’s Houston station labeled the review unprecedented in a recent filing, warning it could chill protected speech.
Multiple U.S. Senators have demanded the FCC reverse its decision. This escalation intensifies the conflict between the media giant and federal regulators.