Disney Challenges FCC's Premier Review Orders

Walt Disney has filed license review applications with the FCC for its ABC stations, responding to President Trump's pressure on the agency following his comments about late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. Disney claims the FCC's actions are unlawful and infringe upon First Amendment rights.

Walt Disney has initiated early license review applications with the Federal Communications Commission for its eight ABC television stations. This move comes in response to pressure from President Donald Trump, who had urged the regulatory body to take action against ABC following criticism of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel.

These early reviews mark the first significant examination of a major TV broadcaster in over 50 years. They were prompted shortly after Trump publicly suggested the dismissal of Kimmel, a frequent critic of his administration. In its defense, Disney has called the FCC's order for early license renewal 'unlawful, arbitrary, and unconstitutional,' arguing it violates Disney's First Amendment free speech rights.

Disney's filing emphasizes that such efforts to suppress speech under the pretext of bureaucratic processes should not be allowed to prevail, highlighting the ongoing tensions between media corporations and government interventions.