Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr recently defended the FCC’s actions against ABC. He emphasized that broadcasters have a duty to “operate in the public interest” and that the FCC aims to restore that standard.

During an interview on the Fox Business Network, Carr stated, “Broadcasters like ABC made a deal with the American people. They get subsidized access, free access to a valuable public resource, the airwaves, worth billions of dollars. In return, they must operate in the public interest.” He expressed disappointment with the current state of the media, saying, “We should have a trusted, respected news media, and we’re not there.” He urged more broadcasters to meet their public interest obligations.

The FCC has been at odds with ABC, which accused the agency of attempting to suppress its free speech rights. ABC claimed the FCC’s actions were retaliatory, linked to content the agency found politically disagreeable.

In its recent filing, ABC opposed the FCC’s early review of eight local broadcast licenses held by ABC, conducted months before their expiration. The network argued, “There is no question why the Commission is singling out these eight stations. Each is owned by ABC, and the Administration has openly and repeatedly called for the revocation of ABC’s licenses, because it dislikes the content and viewpoints expressed on ABC network programs.”

“The retaliation against ABC is a signal to every media company in the country,” added the filing.

The network’s dispute with the FCC extends to shows like “The View,” which has frequently angered former President Trump. ABC contends that the FCC had previously resolved the question of applying equal-time rules, which exempt bona fide news programs, to such shows.

ABC is also concerned about Carr’s focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices as part of the FCC’s scrutiny. Carr warned against “news distortions” and “broadcast hoaxes” without further explanation.

ABC noted significant public support in its filing, with over 140,000 comments posted to the FCC website, over 95% of which backed ABC’s stance. The network highlighted the unusualness of early license renewals, pointing out it had not happened for more than fifty years, saying, “The Commission’s departure from those norms lays bare what is really going on: the Administration is retaliating against ABC for the exercise of its First Amendment rights.”