Conservative advocacy groups, typically not aligned with ABC, are defending the Disney-owned network against the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) investigation into its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr announced in April that eight ABC-owned stations must demonstrate adherence to public interest obligations. This followed ABC’s decision not to broadcast President Donald Trump’s primetime address, a move Carr criticized.

A coalition including the Center for Individual Freedom, Citizens Against Government Waste, and Americans for Tax Reform submitted a letter to Carr. It urged against setting a precedent that could later disadvantage conservative and non-liberal broadcasters. The groups expressed concern about politicizing the license renewal process, emphasizing the importance of preserving its predictable nature.

The Telecommunications Act of 1996 intended station renewals to be presumptive, allowing broadcasters to serve communities without constant fear of losing their licenses, the letter noted. The conservative groups pressed for ABC’s license renewals to proceed smoothly, aiming to limit future FCC leverage over conservative media.

Probed for its equal time policy regarding political candidates, ABC counters that programs like “The View” qualify as news and should be exempt. The FCC examines whether equal candidate representation was violated when Texas Democrat James Talarico appeared on the show. Leaders from several conservative organizations signed the letter defending ABC and its affiliates.

ABC, known for programs like “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and “World News Tonight,” faces scrutiny as the FCC considers its broader role and responsibilities. Despite the controversy, the network continues to insist on its adherence to free speech and journalistic norms.