Disney's ABC network has submitted early renewal applications for eight of its broadcast station licenses, a move the company characterized as being made "under protest in response to an unlawful, arbitrary, and unconstitutional order" from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Disney said it was filing the applications "under protest in response to an unlawful, arbitrary, and unconstitutional order" from the FCC in late April. This action comes as the FCC initiated an early review process for these licenses, which are originally scheduled for renewal between 2028 and 2031, years before their expiration dates. The FCC said it was launching the early renewal process following concerns around Disney's diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.
In late April, the FCC announced its intention to commence this early review of Disney-owned ABC stations. In late April the FCC said it was launching an early review of the Disney-owned ABC stations years ahead of schedule following concerns around the company's diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. This decision followed an investigation that the FCC, the federal body overseeing media and telecommunications, began last year into the DEI practices of Disney and other media companies. The agency said it began investigating Disney last March for possible violations of the Communications Act of 1934 and the FCC's rules regarding its prohibition on unlawful discrimination. In April, the FCC said it had determined further action was needed.
The FCC's early review occurred shortly after ABC faced renewed criticism from President Donald Trump, stemming from comments made by comedian Jimmy Kimmel on his late-night show. The timing raised eyebrows from critics of the Trump administration — as well as from a sitting FCC commissioner — who said the scrutiny was politically motivated.
In its filing on Thursday, Disney formally objected to the FCC's process. In Thursday's filing, Disney said it objected to the process and added that the FCC hadn't called for an early renewal in more than five decades. Disney asserted in its filing that "The order has no legitimate purpose," and that the commission could obtain any necessary information through other means. Disney said in the filing, "There is no information that the application will reveal that the Commission could not obtain through other means. The order is inconsistent with a legitimate exercise of investigative authority and is plainly incompatible with the First Amendment."
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr defended the agency's actions in a statement on Thursday. In a statement Thursday, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr defended the agency's actions and said they stemmed from the agency's probe into Disney's DEI practices that started last year. Chairman Carr stated that Disney "only filed these applications to renew their ABC broadcast licenses after the FCC informed the company that their responses to the agency's investigation had been disingenuous, deficient, and improper." He added the FCC will "follow the facts and law wherever they may lead."
