Kathmandu— Disney has filed a lawsuit against the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) alleging that an order for early license renewal reviews of eight ABC-owned television stations constitutes political retaliation. The suit, filed in federal court in Washington D.C., argues the FCC’s actions are tied to former President Donald Trump's disapproval of ABC News’ coverage and represent an escalating effort to intimidate the company through threats to its broadcasting licenses. Disney is seeking a speedy hearing and temporary restraining order to halt the license reviews, which it says were prompted by diversity concerns and an investigation into the talk show *The View*. The move comes after years of public criticism from Trump regarding ABC’s reporting.

FCC Order Sparks Legal Challenge

In April, the FCC ordered ABC stations in major markets like New York and Los Angeles to begin their license renewal process prematurely. While some licenses aren't up for renewal until 2028, the agency demanded early filings, citing diversity, equity, and inclusion practices at Disney and an investigation into *The View*. Disney contends this action is a departure from standard procedure and part of a broader “retaliatory campaign” against the network’s journalism. The complaint details how six of its stations were not even halfway through their current license terms when the FCC issued the order.

Trump's Public Criticism Cited as Evidence

The lawsuit presents evidence of numerous posts on Trump’s social media platform, Truth Social, dating back to 2025, where he threatened ABC and called for the network to lose its broadcasting licenses due to what he perceived as unfair coverage of Republicans and conservatives. One post specifically demanded that ABC “lose their Licences” over its reporting. Disney argues these public statements demonstrate a clear pattern of hostility towards the network and directly influenced the FCC’s decision to initiate the license reviews.

Advocates Support Legal Action

Free speech advocates have lauded Disney's decision to challenge the FCC in court. Seth Stern, director of advocacy at the Freedom of the Press Foundation, described the situation as an “endless campaign of intimidation and retaliation against journalism” by Brendan Carr, the FCC Chairman, acting on behalf of Trump. Stern accused Carr of abusing his office to target media outlets perceived as critical of the former president through both formal proceedings and public threats.

Market Reaction and Next Steps

News of the lawsuit had an immediate impact on Disney’s stock price, with shares rising 1.1 percent in morning trading. The network is requesting a “speedy hearing” and a temporary restraining order to prevent the FCC from proceeding with the license reviews while the case is litigated.

Disney hopes to halt the early license renewal process through legal action, arguing that it represents an unacceptable intrusion on journalistic independence.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.