ABC has submitted a severe filing to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) opposing petitions against renewing licenses for its stations. The FCC Chairman, Brendan Carr, selected eight ABC-owned stations for early license renewal in April. ABC’s licenses, initially set for renewal between 2028 and 2031, were expedited amid tensions with the Trump administration and late-night host Jimmy Kimmel.
The FCC evaluates the stations’ contributions to public interest while reviewing Disney’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices. Although the filing doesn’t mention Kimmel, ABC argues the move is retaliatory.
“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,” ABC’s legal team stated.
The eight stations under scrutiny include KFSN-TV in Fresno, KABC-TV in Los Angeles, KGO-TV in San Francisco, WLS-TV in Chicago, WABC-TV in New York, WTVD in Durham, N.C., WPVI-TV in Philadelphia, and KTRK-TV in Houston.
ABC highlighted strong support from their local communities, noting over 140,000 received comments, with more than 95% supporting the stations. Supporters range ideologically but share a commitment to free speech and press freedom, according to the filing.
ABC claims the FCC has sought reasons to revoke these licenses but found none, asserting these stations meet the renewal standards. The FCC’s probe into ABC’s daytime show “The View” and its reactions to ABC not airing Trump’s primetime address have added to tensions.
“The retaliation against ABC is a signal to every media company in the country: accommodate the Administration’s view of what news coverage should look like or pay the price,” ABC wrote.
ABC argues that singling out one or all eight stations without finding DEI violations is unnecessary and punitive. They suggest the FCC has less severe remedies than non-renewal of licenses.
An FCC spokesperson emphasized that broadcast media are subsidized on condition they operate in the public interest, not for partisan interests. Broadcasters must avoid DEI discrimination, adhere to political equal opportunity regulations, and refrain from broadcasting hoaxes or distorting news.
The Media Research Center, a conservative watchdog, supports the early review of ABC’s licenses. MRC President David Bozell stated their filing is grounded in documented conduct rather than political disagreements.