ABC News says FCC is carrying out intimidation campaign to shape coverage

The Disney-owned broadcaster ABC has formally challenged what it characterizes as regulatory retaliation by the Federal Communications Commission. The company argues that an early licence review ordered for eight of its stations represents a coordinated effort to discourage news organizations from publishing coverage critical of the Trump administration. ABC contends the action serves as a warning to other media outlets about the consequences of unfavorable reporting.

The FCC initiated the early review in April, marking the first such action in over 50 years. The agency cited an investigation into whether ABC's diversity policies constituted unlawful discrimination. However, the timing—announced days after Trump publicly called for the dismissal of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel—has drawn scrutiny. The affected broadcasting licences were not scheduled for renewal until October 2028.

The Trump administration has pursued an aggressive posture toward news organizations since the president's second term began. Beyond the ABC matter, Trump has filed substantial defamation lawsuits against The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal for $15 billion and $10 billion respectively, and a $10 billion lawsuit against the BBC. The Department of Justice recently withdrew subpoenas seeking to compel New York Times journalists to testify about reporting on the new Air Force One aircraft.

Press freedom advocates have expressed concern that such actions could chill free speech protections guaranteed under the First Amendment. Trump has publicly stated his desire to see critical news sources curtailed and has called on regulators to revoke broadcasting licences of outlets whose coverage he deems unfavorable to the government.