Disney-owned ABC files First Amendment lawsuit against FCC

Disney-owned ABC has filed a First Amendment lawsuit against the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), alleging that the agency's recent investigation into the company is a "retaliatory campaign" driven by ABC's critical programming. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, challenges the FCC's early renewal of ABC's broadcast station licenses, which was launched in April. The agency cited concerns over Disney's diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, a review that followed political backlash against ABC, including comments by host Jimmy Kimmel and criticism of the daytime show "The View." FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, appointed by President Donald Trump, stated that the focus was on Disney's DEI practices and that the review was not tied to First Amendment matters. Disney CEO Josh D'Amaro emphasized the company's commitment to journalistic integrity and standing up to government pressure. FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez, the sole Democrat on the commission, supported ABC's lawsuit, characterizing the FCC's actions as a campaign of censorship and control.

(Source：Cnbc)