'A threat to the First Amendment': ABC blasts FCC over 'extraordinary' license change — as Disney-owned network brands it 'a clear warning to every broadcaster in America'

• ABC has been asked to apply for broadcast license renewals early
• The Disney-owned network says the FCC is exerting undue pressure
• ABC shows such as Jimmy Kimmel Live have criticized the White House

A war of words has broken out between the Disney-owned ABC network and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the US, after the FCC demanded that the network file its broadcast license renewal applications early.

How early? Well, the licenses aren't expiring until 2028, and four months ahead of time is the usual schedule. In this case, the FCC has requested them a full two years in advance, claiming that ABC's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies are under investigation.

ABC has now filed the necessary applications, for eight of its local TV stations, while blasting the request as "a threat to the First Amendment" (as per Deadline). In ABC's view, bringing the renewal process forward is punishment for anti-government and anti-Trump opinions expressed on shows like Jimmy Kimmel Live and The View.

You might remember Jimmy Kimmel was taken off air last year over comments made in the wake of the Charlie Kirk shooting, under pressure from the FCC, before being brought back. He's recently been critical of Donald and Melania Trump again, something that the US President has taken notice of and commented on publicly.

'Power and coercion'

"It is an extraordinary demonstration of power and coercion directed at disfavored editorial voices which sends a clear warning to every broadcaster in America," ABC said in a filing with the FCC, as it submitted its renewals "under protest".

As the renewals have now been submitted, it gives the FCC the right to publicly comment on them, and to designate them for a hearing if the regulator deems it necessary. As the licenses can't be approved any earlier than 30 days before their expiry, it means ABC will be under greater scrutiny for the next two years.

"Disney and its ABC stations are the latest victims of this administration's campaign of censorship and control," said FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez, the sole Democrat on the FCC. "I am glad to see them expose the FCC's actions as nothing more than naked political retribution and an unlawful assault on free speech and a free press."

However, the FCC has defended its actions. "The Commission will continue to analyze ownership structures to ensure that they are responsive to the needs of their local communities and are providing them with diverse viewpoints reflective of the information needs of those communities," said the FCC in a statement, rejecting that the move was a denial of free speech.

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