ABC Challenges FCC License Review Amidst Allegations of Retaliation

ABC filed a strong response to the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) move against its stations’ license renewals. On Wednesday, the company addressed petitions aiming to block renewals of its station licenses.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr initiated an early review of licenses for eight ABC-owned stations in April. Originally, renewal was due between 2028 and 2031. This decision coincided with ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and ABC’s late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. The stations must prove their commitment to public interest as the FCC examines Disney’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategies.

ABC’s filing suggests the move is retaliatory, although Kimmel wasn’t specifically mentioned. They argue the FCC, under Trump’s administration’s urging, unfairly singled them out due to content and viewpoints.

“There is no question why the Commission is singling out these eight stations: Each is owned by ABC, and the Administration has openly and repeatedly called for the revocation of ABC’s licenses, because it dislikes the content and viewpoints expressed on ABC network programs,” ABC’s legal team asserted.

The stations under review include KFSN-TV in Fresno, KABC-TV in Los Angeles, KGO-TV in San Francisco, and several others.

ABC noted an unprecedented volume of support from local communities, citing over 140,000 comments, with 95% backing the stations. Supporters hail from various ideological backgrounds, united in their commitment to free speech and press freedom.

“The outpouring of support for the Stations has been unprecedented for a license renewal proceeding,” ABC claimed.

Furthermore, ABC accuses the FCC of seeking reasons to revoke licenses without finding substantial evidence against the stations.

The Trump administration’s conflict with Kimmel intensifies the issue. Notably, Kimmel’s contentious joke about the first lady sparked further backlash. Separate investigations target ABC’s daytime show “The View,” which has drawn scrutiny.

ABC argues against the FCC’s actions as a warning to media companies to conform to the administration’s perspectives, fearing retaliation if they resist.

“The retaliation against ABC signals every media company in the country: accommodate the Administration’s view of what news coverage should look like or pay the price,” ABC stated.

They emphasize that recalling all eight licenses amid no DEI violations seems punitive. Even if violations emerge, ABC contends, existing remedies should suffice without resorting to non-renewal.

An FCC representative responded by underscoring the importance of broadcast media’s commitment to public interest. They emphasized legal requirements preventing political bias and distortion.

“Broadcasters know they are prohibited from engaging in invidious forms of DEI discrimination…the FCC is going to hold broadcasters accountable to the full extent of the law,” the spokesperson declared.

Conservative group Media Research Center (MRC) reaffirmed its support for the FCC’s early review, citing documented conduct rather than political bias.

MRC President David Bozell criticized ABC’s defense as insufficient, noting the low public confidence in media.

“ABC’s defense boils down to this: ‘Trust us.’ Americans do not, which is why confidence in the media is at historic lows,” Bozell remarked.