Disney sues FCC over ABC broadcast licenses

• Disney and ABC sued the FCC to block an early review of eight ABC broadcast licenses, alleging unconstitutional retaliation over the network’s programming.
• Disney shares were up 1.16% at $104.70 in Tuesday trading, although the move cannot be attributed solely to the lawsuit.
• ABC is seeking emergency court relief to halt the license proceedings while separately challenging regulatory scrutiny involving political candidates on “The View.”

Walt Disney (NYSE:DIS) and ABC sued the Federal Communications Commission to block an accelerated review of licenses covering eight ABC-owned broadcast stations.

ABC alleges the review violates its First Amendment rights and amounts to retaliation over programming, while the FCC says its scrutiny concerns broadcasters’ public-interest obligations and Disney’s DEI practices.

ABC asked the court for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction preventing the FCC from advancing the early license-renewal proceedings or scheduling an agency hearing.

Following the announcement, Walt Disney's share price was up 1.16% at $104.70 in Tuesday trading.

The FCC separately is examining whether “The View” qualifies for a news-program exemption from equal-opportunity rules governing appearances by political candidates.

The dispute follows an FCC investigation into Disney’s diversity policies and an April decision to review ABC station licenses years before their scheduled 2028 renewal process.